Comments on: The New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman in Sydney

By: Howard A. Levin

Howard A. Levin — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 00:19:11 +0000

In reply to Mike. Your friend, Thomas Friedman, has been critical of the Israeli right wing for years. If it were up to him and incompetents like Israeli left leaders, Israel would have ceased to exist long ago. Israel can not afford to retreat to pre-67 lines--indefensible. Israel can not afford to have another Hamas on the West Bank. Israel has enough enemies already. Rockets falling on Ben Gurion would be disastrous for the Jewish State. The ultra left including Thomas Friedman have no comprehension of the dire situation Israel contends with and the previous administration of Obama and Kerry thought peace was possible when it was not. The palestinians will not even recognize the Jewish State. Again, Thomas Friedman has NEVER been a friend of Israel nor is he now. The Jewish People who flocked to hear him are very naive if they think they would learn anything worthwhile from this charlatan.

By: Otto Waldmann

Otto Waldmann — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 05:33:07 +0000

In reply to Mike. Meerkat logic: Bibi has not been indicted yet, so why should not he be trusted until then . But, if your Thomas Freedman would make a better Israeli PM, then he's your man. Simple !!

By: Otto Waldmann

Otto Waldmann — Tue, 30 May 2017 12:16:59 +0000

One must weigh very carefully the seemingly balanced views Friedman would espouse on Israel and their palestinian constant troubles. If tempted to ignore Friedman’s not so hidden NIF agenda, slipping into comfortable persuasion is quite likely. Not so, though, if the NIF fundamentals are perused carefully. Once gaining the sentiment ( perhaps not so false ) of safety in luring the audience, Friedman’s critical quips in reference to Netanyahu must have come with the confidence only journalistic narcissism could have produced.
Considering, however, the anemic NIF chapter within the local, Australian Jewish fold, the Emanuel event is not likely to worry the solidly local Zionist commitment, full house notwithstanding. Mr. Liam Getreu et Co. will need to work a lot harder !!!

By: Rita L.

Rita L. — Tue, 30 May 2017 11:00:29 +0000

New York Times ? No credibility whatsoever left. President D. Trump had their measure from the start.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 30 May 2017 06:40:31 +0000

“The U.S. can not impose peace” -> shows how much you know, given Friedman explained exactly that in his talk. Maybe you should find out more about what he said before criticising him? Clips from his event are available online.

PS I’m glad you trust Netanyahu. What will happen if/when he’s indicted for fraud? Will you still trust him then?

By: Rabbi Pinchos Woolstone

Rabbi Pinchos Woolstone — Tue, 30 May 2017 04:31:46 +0000

The Israeli parties of the left always spoke about land for peace but gave nothing.
Menachem Begin the right wing Prime Minister gave back Sinai.
It may be another right wing Prime Minister who does a deal with the Palestinians.
David Freidman is from the left however his insulting comments on the evening about Netanyahu were childish and churlish.
It is important at this time to encourage the Israelis to find solution not denigrate theie elected leaders.

By: Howard A. Levin

Howard A. Levin — Tue, 30 May 2017 04:09:05 +0000

Thomas Friedman is not a friend of Israel. I trust PM Netanyahu to steer the political course for the state of Israel.

The “two state solution” is not practical at this time. Palestinians are not interested in peace. They wish to destroy Israel. Friedman is naive and not at all realistic. And what about Hamas? Are they going to stay on the sidelines and allow Abbas to do whatever he wants? Furthermore, Abbas is afraid of his own people. He is weak. The U.S. can not impose peace.

Peace is not possible at this time. Containment is the best that can be hoped for.