Everybody knows about the Israelis occupying the Palestinian territories. Though, in truth, they have withdrawn from Gaza and if they weren't in the West Bank Hamas would be in charge their as well. We all know about the occupation because the Arabs and their leftist allies in the west never stop moaning about it.

Somehow, we are to believe, that if only Israel would pull back to the 1967 borders peace would sweep the middle east as the Arab nations embraced Israel as a brother. Please. If you think such an outcome likely I believe there is a bridge in Brooklyn on the market for you. The stated goal of Hamas, which runs Gaza as a de facto independent state, has called for Israels destruction. The "moderate" Fatah is no better. Then there are the Iranians(who are not Arab, but still wield a great deal of influence in the region) who call for Israels destruction.

With neighbors like that I can see why Israel isn't giving up the west bank, nor should it. The Palestinian territories were used to attack Israel, long before there was anyone who considered himself a Palestinian. Israel withdrew from Lebanon and the rockets rained down on norhtern Israel, they withdrew from Gaza and the rockets rain down on southern Israel. It could be rockets raining down on Jerusalem if they give up another inch. When you're surrounded by homicidal maniacs I think you can use a buffer between you and the maniacs.

Then, of course, there is a great deal of hypocrisy on the entire issue. Israel is condemned, virtually everyday, for its occupation of the west bank. Yet Turkey and Morocco are never condemned for their occupations of Cyprus and Western Sahara respectively. Turkey invaded Cyprus in the 1970's and they're still there holding onto a large chunk of the island nation. Morocco drove the Spanish out of Western Sahara after General Franco died, and they are still there.

Of course there is China's occupation of Tibet. Aside from some human rights groups no one really complains too much about the Chinese and their campaign of cultural genocide, and crushing any and all dissent. Some, like French President Sarkozy, are threatening to boycott the opening ceremonies of the olympic games. That'll show them. Tibet is only in the news when Tibetans are demanding basic human rights and self determination. While they might have a great deal of sympathy in the west no one is going to stand up to Beijing in helping these people.

The occupations of Western Sahara and Cyprus are almost never in the news, largely because the occupying forces are Muslim and it wouldn't be exactly politically correct for pointy headed leftists to condemn Muslims, after all they're supposed to be the good guys, aren't they? It's only the Israelis and us Americans who are ever really guilty of imperialism and crimes against humanity. To the left it's perfectly fine to crush Tibetan freedom, to drive thousands of Greeks from their homes. That shouldn't be surprising considering the left will follow and dictator or totalitarian movement they can find.

Perhaps a little honesty about Israels situation is called for, but is probably too much to hope for.