In 1989, under President George H.W. Bush, the Berlin Wall fell without a shot being fired. In 1998, former senator George Mitchell (D-Maine), with President Bill Clinton’s support, brokered the agreement ending about 30 years of sectarian “Irish Troubles” killings. In 1999, U.N. Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke, working with NATO and other countries, helped end the war in Kosovo. An American president, senator and diplomat used U.S. power and prestige to end killing. Where is U.S. leadership today?
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The United States and Israel
On Dec. 8, the United States alone vetoed a United Nations resolution for an immediate Gaza humanitarian cease-fire [“Civilians grapple with dwindling food, supplies after U.S. vetoes cease-fire,” news, Dec. 10]. This, despite clear evidence that the recent cease-fire stopped the killing of innocents and got food, medical and humanitarian aid to civilians in the devastated region.
Worse, on Dec. 9, the State Department (yes, the diplomats who should be working for peace) announced it had signed off on President Biden’s emergency request to send $106 million in additional ammunition and military equipment to Israel. International law demands the protection of civilians in any conflict.
Few in Congress have spoken up or taken action in support of peace. Israelis and Gazans continue to be killed, and the war is in danger of spreading. Terror threats in the United States are proliferating, and hate crimes are rising.
Mr. Biden, Congress and diplomats: Make the world better, and stop the killing now.
Carol Stricker, Arlington
In his Dec. 12 op-ed, “Republicans believe in free speech, except when it comes to Israel,” Shadi Hamid was correct that “intifada” literally means “uprising” or “rebellion.” “Kristallnacht” literally means “crystal night.” If someone called for another Kristallnacht, there would be “no need to speculate about intentions.”
The Palestinian intifadas involved orgies of violence: suicide bombings, rock throwings, and the shootings and stabbings of civilians. The intent of those calling for another intifada is crystal clear.
Josh Lebewohl, New York