No peace partner

As Israel prepares for a supposed withdrawal from Gaza, we are treated to yet another fraudulent Israeli offer of conciliation. We are told that Israel is making a huge sacrifice in withdrawing a handful of settlements in the Gaza. We should see such moves as the shams that they are. A truly brave Israel would end the occupation immediately and join civilised nations in agreeing to implement colour blind immigration and civil laws. No such luck.

Akiva Eldar writes in Haaretz of the Israeli PR campaign and its ability to sell to the world the myth that the Palestinians are not ripe for a peace process. Nothing could be further from the truth. Once again, we are treated to the realisation that Israel is the rejectionist state, determined to hold onto as much land as possible. Occupation has become a natural state of being for the Jewish entity.

In the equally delusional world of political matters, the Council of Foreign Affairs asks Henry Kissinger - friend of the rich and powerful, war criminal to many and mate of NSW Premier Bob Carr and Murdoch's Australian - about Iran's nuclear potential. Does the grand old man of realpolitik advocate military action (a default position for most neo-cons):

"I'm not recommending it but, on the other hand, it is a grave step to tolerate a world of multiple nuclear weapons centres without restraint. I'm not recommending military action, but I'm recommending not excluding it."