U.S. Response to Mideast Terrorism
We are all outraged and frustrated over the latest barbaric act committed by an Iranian-controlled fundamentalist terrorist group in Lebanon.
The apparent tragic, brutal execution of Higgins and the obscene threats to murder additional innocent Western hostages once again underscore the real obstacles to progress and peace in the Middle East.
As Americans we are affected only occasionally by acts of barbarism and terrorism; the people of Israel live in the very midst of a culture of violence and war and endure it on a daily basis.
As a nation that is regularly subjected to acts of terrorism, Israel has the right to defend itself. It would be a great injustice indeed if, in our frustration over our current inability to deal directly with the barbaric behavior of the Hezbollah, we were to strike out at our closest ally or remain silent while certain of our leaders unjustly criticize its actions.
DOUGLAS E. MIRELL
President, American Jewish Congress
Pacific Southwest Region
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