GAZA

I didn't find the words for the events in Gaza and so I would like to link to Peter's post on the Trots, Reading Gaza.

"I do not want to discuss the rights and wrongs of Gaza, instead I want to write about what I see to be the main rhetorical tricks, self-deceptions and lazy arguments that were used to try and reconcile current events with previously held commitments. It is about how to read Gaza."

Reconcile current events with previously held commitments - I've been doing a lot of that. I'm a friend of Israel, and have always held the view, and still do, that Israel has a right to defend its citizens; just like any other country, most of which have less to defend themselves against. But a three week assault on Gaza, an area densely packed with civilians who cannot flee? That's defence?

And as for the BBCs decision (and now also Skys) not to broadcast appeals by the Disasters Emergency Committee, words nearly fail me again. Patronising? Ilogical? Damaging? Distracting?

You can donate at the DECs website here, or my choice as always is the Red Cross.