???For more than half a century America has turned a blind eye towards the majority of Israeli actions, offering limp indignation whenever something too big to ignore made the evening news. This must end.
???During the course of the latest full-blown Israeli military operation in Gaza, the Israeli army lobbed white phosphorous munitions at their enemies. This in itself is not exactly deplorable, as "Willy Pete" is a highly effective way to create the thick white smoke that so typifies modern military skirmishes.
???The problem is that the use of white phosphorous on civilian targets has been illegal since 1980, yet Amnesty International recently reported finding heavily populated areas inundated with evidence of white phosphorous munitions.
???Phosphorous, while useful in creating smoke, is more useful for creating hellish infernos, and it burns long and fiercely. It played a large part in the annihilation of Dresden in World War II. Using such a chemical on civilians is unconscionable and immoral.
???America's history with Israel is a complicated one. This question of accountability is to blame for much of the ire the Middle East directs towards America. If we continue to ignore Israeli actions than we continue to erode our diplomatic position with these nations.
???Lasting peace cannot be achieved in this region if atrocities like firebombing civilians are swept under the rug. A third-party unaffiliated with any government involved must be allowed to investigate these claims, and if there is any substance to them then the responsible parties must be punished.
???Understand that holding Israel accountable does not mean its destruction. In truth, to hold all nations equally accountable for their actions, good or bad, will lead to a more lasting peace than could ever be achieved by burning away the people who disagree with us. The only nations that fear accountability are the ones with something to hide.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
