AS Middle East correspondent John Lyons notes, the forces of the Western world are behind his condemnation of Israel, including Amnesty and the UN (”Distant ‘experts’ choose to ignore Israeli realities”, 8-9/3).
But the criticism makes no sense in isolation. Democratic nations face scrutiny and condemnation for their breaches of human rights precisely because they are successful democracies. The criticism is inherent in democratic societies, and works to strengthen them.
On the other hand, turning a blind eye to human rights breaches in and by non-democratic nations reinforces the status quo, encourages a sense of victimhood and undermines the potential for democracy.
Brigitte Dwyer, Norwood, SA
MY progressive friends often shake their heads when they see me reading The Australian. But reading John Lyons’s response to fellow columnist Greg Sheridan’s critique of a Four Corners report on Palestinian children (”Evil and deeply untrue”, 1-2/3) reminded me why I still do. It is good to see some of Sheridan’s views being challenged from within.
James Sharp, Roleystone, WA
I READ with interest the article by John Lyons regarding the commentary by Greg Sheridan about the Four Corners report on Palestinian children. Lyons should know that non-government organisations and UN agencies have often given unreliable information on Israel. The earlier commentary by Sheridan, partly based on information from one small, remote group, is also questionable.
What has been missing is getting information on this troubling matter from the Israeli authorities who have been struggling with it for a long time.
In the past, Israeli authorities used to arrest youths suspected of throwing stones in daylight hours that often led to street battles, so there is a reason to make arrests at night.
Bart Benschop, Claremont, WA
JOHN Lyons’s response to Greg Sheridan’s critique of the Four Corners report on the abuse of Palestinian children deserves commendation. Lyons’s response demonstrates journalism at its best.
Sheridan’s earlier charge of anti-Semitism for criticism of Israel was counter-productive and unbecoming for a journalist of his stature.
It is a common ploy used to stifle legitimate reporting and criticism of Israel’s policies and actions that continue to flout UN resolutions.
Lyons correctly points out that his duty as a correspondent in Jerusalem (or anywhere else in the world) is to report through Australian eyes. That is what The Australian’s readers expect and require.
It is an irony that some Israel supporters with extremist views do more harm to Israel’s causes than its critics.
Bill Mathew, Parkville, Vic
AS usual, Israel is to blame. Nowhere in John Lyons’s article is there any mention of Israel as a nation surrounded by people who wish for the death of every Israeli, who celebrate the murder of Israeli children and delight in inciting hatred.
Israel cannot be always given a blank slate, but there is a world of difference between a country that holds an investigation into child abuse and people who celebrate by handing out sweets when a child is murdered.
Andrew Porter, Melbourne, Vic
ONCE I was old enough to read and comprehend the slaughter of millions of Jews under the Nazis, my height-ened sense of justice as a teenager made me a lifelong supporter of the state of Israel, right or wrong.
This support was dented by the massacres by Lebanese Christian militia in Lebanon under Ariel Sharon, and now by reports of harsh treatment meted out to Palestinian youth.
The Zionist Stern Gang took territory from Palestine by force and Israel will have to use force to keep it.
David Hall, Labrador, Qld