The Internet giant isn’t waiting for Palestinians and Israelis to settle their differences. On the first of the month, without firing off a press release, Google changed its home page in Gaza and the West Bank from “Google: Palestinian Territories” to “Google: Palestine.”
One year ago, President Obama stood before the U.N. General Assembly and called for international recognition of a Palestinian state. On Wednesday, to the exasperation of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and millions struggling for democracy in the Arab world, he declared his opposition to that idea. (more)
Most Americans would likely agree that the main shock delivered to Americans and the American government by the 9/11 attacks was that of vulnerability. Another such shock is impending.
Fearing a mass uprising if Palestinians win statehood in the U.N. next month, the Israel Defense Forces are training settlers in the West Bank and equipping settlement security personnel with tear gas and stun grenades. The IDF is also designating a point for each settlement at which soldiers are free to shoot at the legs of protesters. (more)