Not before time

This is long overdue:

"Delegates of the 192-nation Geneva Conventions met in special session Monday to consider adding a new emblem that could drop a half-century barrier to Israel's becoming a full member of the international Red Cross movement caring for victims of armed conflict.

"Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey, who has spearheaded the effort to resolve the long-standing dispute, told the conference it should add a "red crystal" to the red cross and red crescent already in use because it would help make the movement universal."

The only way for greater understanding between Israel and the wider world - aside from ending the occupation, abolishing racially discriminatory policies etc - is mutual respect. This would be a positive start.