Bethlehem, ISRAELI OCCUPIED TERRITORIES - Saturday, May 28, 2005 - For some time now I have been pondering this question. As the Arab-Israeli conflict is coming to a new phase characterized principally by the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, on the one hand, and by the construction of the separation wall in the West Bank, on the other, the rationale behind reconciliation work, as principally attempted in encounter groups, is in need of some serious examination.

First, some encounter groups are motivated by the wistful thinking that changing hearts, primarily Arab Palestinian hearts, would lead to peace and eventual reconciliation. This assumes that Israeli Jewish hearts have already been changed and won. This changing of Arab Palestinian hearts would accordingly enhance the security of the state of Israel, in the long run. Thus winning Arab Palestinian hearts is an important premise for carrying encounters, exchanges, dialogues and all sorts of activities that would encourage or directly lead into reconciliation.

Second, some encounter groups are motivated by a genuinely common utilitarian concern such as the environment or school children living in a situation of conflict. While these groups are directing their attention to practical subjects and issues, the fact of the coming separation would render their work less feasible particularly if there is a need for regular ongoing face to face encounters.. ... READ MORE

Lizard Lick, NC, USA - With the Blog (Web Log) being "the latest fad," as my old college buddy Robert Purvis advises me, I should be in the catbird seat. I trawl for appropriate grants to support the journalistic efforts of your World's Magazine these days. My having been called the "Father of the Blog," by a reader in Germany, because of this diaristic column might indicate that I should be considered au courant, if not "pioneering" - as a Scottish journalist referred me to during the last decade. I've seen fads explode onto the Internet before, having occupied the Big Chair here at GENERATOR 21 for nearly a decade now.

The Next Big Thing has come and evaporated so many times that I seldom listen to the latest predictions anymore. I simply soldier on at what we've always done on this Web site: report the news and present commentary about the issues important to people "on the ground" around the world. I shall always be fellahin at heart.

The one reason why we instituted, as part of my usual "three-dot journalism" here, a feature that I hope some of you have found informative and useful. I'm referring to a little feature calle ...

NEWS TO ROD

Waterford, IRELAND - For those who have lost a loved one to suicide a ghastly silence hangs over the word and, one unanswered question reverberates ceaselessly. Why?

Most people are frightened to acknowledge suicide and cannot comprehend why one would willingly choose to take their own life. The general consensus is that the victim was influenced by drink/drugs or was mentally ill. I would disagree. In my opinion, based on my own experience, I believe that some people who choose to commit suicide suffer from an emotional imbalance as opposed to being mentally unbalanced. Generally speaking those people who suffer from emotional imbalances are deep thinkers, sensitive, caring men and women who are out of rhythm spiritually and emotionally.