In August 2005, when Israel unilaterally withdrew from the narrow coastal territory, then-Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon promised it would make Israel safer. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice hailed the move as "historic."
Israel had left behind a political vacuum, however. That, along with decisions by Israel, the U.S. and Palestinian rivals inadvertently boosted the militant Islamic group Hamas into power. Hamas is stronger than ever, and Israel's air strikes risk bolstering it further, according to current and former U.S. officials, diplomats and analysts.
TVNL Comment: "Democracy" means electing leaders the US can manipulate. But they hate us for our freedom.....
A German court this month decided that comparing Israel to Nazi Germany is protected legal speech,...
Russian authorities declared a state of emergency in the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk on...
The US embassy in London is offering grants of up to half a million dollars for...
