JTA’s Marcy Oster flagged this New York Times op-ed by Chas Freeman that appeared in October 2000, shortly after the launch of the second Intifada.
A month ago, it’s balanced criticism of Israel and the Palestinians would probably have alarmed many Jewish organizations — but given what’s gone down the past few weeks, balance for many pro-Israel advocates might qualify as a pleasent surprise:
At some point it may dawn on Israelis that continued seizures of Palestinian land and other arbitrary acts are incompatible with mutual respect and reconciliation. And Palestinians may realize that acts of violence against innocent civilians create fear and hatred rather than a desire to end the aggravations and injustices. One or both sides may even discover the principle that those who wish to be loved should first do something lovable.
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