American voice in Middle East must support peaceful solutions, not ongoing conflict | Opinion
Demand war end
President Biden must call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on Oct. 7 was an aggressive act of war, and now Israel’s killing of 12,000 innocent men, women, and children – more than ten times those killed by Hamas -- and the destruction of much of Gaza is equally horrible.
Killing has escalated and no one wins.
We in the U.S. are culpable in this war, alienating allies around the world and adding fuel to Palestinians’ anger.
We must no longer support more war, but instead we must call for a complete end to the attacks on both sides and rebuild a peace process that recognizes the rights of all who live in the Holy Land.
S. Frick, Columbia
Stop destruction
On Oct. 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Gazans would pay a “huge price” for the actions of Hamas and that the Israel Defense Forces would turn parts of Gaza’s densely populated urban centers “into rubble.”
On Oct. 28, Netanyahu justified his siege of Gaza by citing Deuteronomy, “You must remember what Amalek did to you,” thus implying that Palestinians are of Amalek. The same verse calls on the total destruction of Amalek. Most colonizers hide behind their religion to legitimize and excuse their invasions, occupations and ethnic cleansing.
It makes no sense for the U.S. to fund yet another expensive war in the Middle East.
We spent over $3 trillion in Iraq and Afghanistan, which did not make either of our countries freer or safer. Our money would be better spent building our society instead of destroying another’s, and causing more international ill will toward the people of the United States.
L. Minerd, Columbia
“Enough” misery
The Israeli response to the horrific attack by Hamas attack on Oct. 7 is not justified.
At some point we have to say, “Enough.”
This is not helping anyone and I cannot stand by and say nothing.
We are not powerless.
We can call on our elected officials: Reps. James Clyburn and Joe Wilson, Sens. Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham, and demand:
1. A ceasefire: an internationally recognized legal obligation to no more shooting/bombing/missiles from both sides;
2. Release of hostages;
3. Departure of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza so that aid agencies may safely enter with humanitarian aid;
4. Definitive peace talks with an actual timeline, addressing root causes such as an end to occupation and blockades; the right to mutual security, and for refugees to return;
5. Contact newspapers to report what is happening since our tax dollars are helping pay for the Israeli military actions.
This thanksgiving as we give thanks for our family, food and comfort. Let us also speak up for those who are being starved, killed and displaced by IDF forces using our tax dollars.
P. Preston, Columbia
Make schools safe
Now may be the time to return to teaching our children at home and online. Understanding the importance of pupil interaction, schools can offer a one-day-a-week structured residency, where all staff is on duty.
Just in recent weeks, there has been a malicious mob-style killing in Clark County, Nev., and here in Richland County, a 17-year-old student stabbed another student and will be charged as an adult with attempted murder.
Even with the cost of school tablets paired with personal lunch vouchers, school districts could save on utility costs, supplies and payroll while cutting down on classroom interruptions. Upgrading security and imposing a moratorium on in-person learning should be implemented until vested parties get this right.
Our politicians and school districts should be taking action now, not later. Let’s make our schools safe again.
J. Holman, Columbia