More “Birth Pangs” in Condi’s “New Middle East”

Mike Whitney

Nations are like people; ultimately they return to the habits with which they feel most comfortable. In Israel’s case, the infrequent periods of peace typically end with a return to the familiar pattern of war crimes and human rights abuse. Last night was no different. The attack on Qana killed 54 Lebanese civilians most of them women and children. The heart-wrenching photos of the bloody victims being pulled from the wreckage have already flooded the internet although they probably will be blocked from the mainstream news until Israel can mount its public relations offensive. "Perception management" always takes precedent over the normal expressions of grief. Israeli Prime Minister Olmert has already blamed Hezbollah for the attack; accusing them of using civilians as "human shields" to protect supplies of Katushya rockets. So far, all of the news reports have denied that there were any rockets at the site.

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