[Brandon]

The U.S. voted for this crap? That had better be a screwup, and whoever cast that vote had better be fired.

[Bad~Rodeo]

If i was Israeli i would say 2 simple words...BITE ME

[piasa]

I vote for the UN to withdraw from my coutry.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Sign this PETITION for the U.S. to get out of the U.N.

[Lion's Cub]

Actually, what Israel needs to do is go through the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and systematically deport all Muslims. Leave "Palestine" as an Arab Christian state.

[piasa]

There are 15 members on the security council- you've only accounted for 14.

[Ken H]

If Sharon accepts this, then I think he is finished as Prime Minister.

I say there is no way Sharon gives in to the UN on this, but time will tell.

If he does go along with the UN, then I'd bet on Netanyahu to be the next Israeli PM.

[ikka]

What about the thug Mugabe in Zimbabwe? Nothing substantive from the UN on that guy.

[wretchard]

There are 15 Security Council members. One member abstained, probably the US.

The probable reason for this vote is this: the Security Council members are terrified that a full-scale war will break out. They can't rein in the Palestinians, so they hit the only control that works: Israel. However, if the US abstained, in the face of near unanimous panic, then the fat's really in the fire. This implies that America, or at least President Bush, doesn't care whether or not war breaks out, possibly because it is viewed as unavoidable anyway.

Now I know a lot of people feel this thing must be ended, one way or the other, and that is probably correct. Just be prepared because war can really be a bummer. Pray and keep your powder dry.

[Dane]

UN to Israel -- Withdraw From Palestinian Cities March 30, 2002 04:40 AM ET

By Evelyn Leopold

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States joined other U.N. Security Council members early on Saturday in adopting a resolution calling for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian cities.

The resolution was approved by a vote of 14 to 0, with Syria not attending the meeting in protest and leaving its seat empty, a rarity in the council. It had submitted its own resolution against Israel.

The U.S. vote represents a change of position from Friday's comments by Secretary of State Colin Powell, who expressed sympathy with Israel's decision to respond militarily after a series of attacks on Israeli civilians.

The resolution, proposed by Security Council President Ole Peter Kolby of Norway, was negotiated after a Friday emergency public debate called by Arab nations in response to Israeli troops and tanks besieging Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's compound in the West Bank town of Ramallah.

It was the second time this month the United States, Israel's closest ally, supported council action after blocking all Middle East resolution for more than a year. But on March 12, U.S. envoys had startled the council by introducing a resolution they drafted, demanding an immediate cease-fire.

Saturday's resolution calls on Israelis and Palestinians move immediately to a "meaningful cease-fire" and "calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian cities, including Ramallah."

The resolution expresses "grave concern" at the recent suicide bombings in Israel and the "military attack" against Arafat's Palestinian Authority headquarters.

The measure asks both sides to cooperate fully with the Bush administration's Middle East envoy, retired Marine Gen. Anthony C. Zinni, with the aim of resuming negotiations on a political settlement.

During a five-hour public meeting late on Friday, council members assailed Israel's assault on the Palestinian Authority with U.S. representative James Cunningham virtually alone in placing blame for the escalating crisis on Palestinian suicide bombers.

While almost all speakers condemned attacks against Israeli civilians, every nation sharply criticized Israel's action. Some 30 nations spoke during the emergency marathon debate, which interrupted a Good Friday holiday at the United Nations.

"There is no excuse for the killing of innocent civilians," said Norway's Kolby, adding that "the Israeli bombardment of Palestinian cities and institutions, which has lead to death and destruction, is unacceptable."

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan opened the meeting by telling Israel to halt its assault on the Palestinian Authority and said Palestinians had to stop "horrific terrorist attacks" against Israeli civilians.

"Terrorism will not bring the Palestinian people closer to their long-deserved claim of the right to self-determination," he said. "Destroying the Palestinian Authority will not bring Israel closer to peace."

At least 1,111 Palestinians and 383 Israelis have been killed since the violence began in September 2000. Some 200 Palestinians and 100 Israelis died in March alone.

"MOTHER OF ALL MISTAKES"

Palestinian delegate Nasser al-Kidwa said Sharon had embarked on "new insane steps." "Let me state here that any harm to President Arafat would be the mother of all these mistakes," he said.

"This represents the beginning of the destruction of the elected Palestinian Authority and the beginning of getting rid of Yasser Arafat and the reoccupation of Palestinian territory," he said. "Let me state here that any harm to President Arafat would be the mother of all these mistakes."

In response, Israel's U.N. ambassador, Yehuda Lancry, said his government had no option but to move against Arafat. He said the Palestinian leader had ignored many requests from Israel over the past four years to arrest the suicide bomber responsible for killing 22 people on Wednesday in Netanya.

"Through this entire period, the voice of the Palestinian leadership has not been one of moderation. It has been a voice of terrorism," Lancry said.

He said Israel had "no intention of occupying any territory under Palestinian control but to uproot the terrorist network that exists there. And in doing so we will, as we always have, keep our hand outstretched for peace." (With additional reporting by Irwin Arieff)

[hoot33]

Utterly unbelievable! I was against Dubya's choice for Secty of State before, during, and now. To get a summation of what our position should be, listen/watch Shawn Hannity and/or Netanyahu.

I've had General Powell pegged a long time ago- culminating in his Senate testimony before a Senate committee re Gulf war chemical poisoning. He 'passed the buck' DOWN! The worst way. See my Ltr to Editor- link

Thank you Sir for the much needed post.

[wretchard]

This from www.haaretzdaily.com on the resolution. "The Syrians said that the resolution did not condemn Israeli violence against the Palestinians, and added that it did not call for the immediate withdrawal of troops."

The resolution lets the Israelis accomplish what they set out to do. The Israelis themselves denied any intent to permanently occupy the West Bank towns. This is a wink and a nod. The real problem is the Israeli coalition governments own half-hearted aims. If this is all they set out to do, they can do it. But when you think about it, the likely gains are miniscule compared to the grief it causing the US.

[Lucas1]

What the hell is going on in this world? If I was Israel I would just say "f*ck you - you come live with this sh** everyday"

I hope Israel does NOTHING in response to this crap

[RamsNo1]

This freeper to the UN---go find another love partner. Arafat is not long for this world.

[shrinkermd]

First immigration, then CFR and now this! It is hard to believe this is a "conservative" administration. Agreeing to this resolution defied common sense and inductive reasoning in favor of mushy, egalitarian sympathy for the down and outers of the world.

[Tripleplay]

At least 1,111 Palestinians and 383 Israelis have been killed since the violence began in September 2000. Some 200 Palestinians and 100 Israelis died in March alone.

How can this count be correct? In the last two months, it seems to me that published reports always say more Jews were killed than palestinians.

It amazes me how these stats get reported and accepted as truth.

Remember the Ford rollover issue? It was approx 65 deaths when the story broke, but ballooned to over 200 within a couple weeks. Another example of the "unbiased" press.

[eclectic]

Nuke the UN!

[wattsmag2]

Note, the resolution said "BOTH SIDES". I don't believe that the Bush administration honestly thinks the Palestinians will participate in a "cease fire". This resolution is, therefore, so much paper. And we know it.

[gunnedah]

The UN is a liberal controlled Communst infested regime and the US supports it?Where in the Hell is this country headed?We have been infiltarated from top to botton by unethical monsters and America has hit rock bottom.C-Span was even filled yesterday with groups that were constantly putting this country down and trying to divide it.Well so be it!The Jews in this country have supported the Liberal Democrat Party and it is time for the chickens to come home to roost.We may be in for an all out war in the middle east and we can thank the Clinton/Gore and Democrat Regime for leading us there.I cant imagine that Hillary is not in a photo opt somewhere with Mrs. Arafat.

[dennisw]

This filthy little murderer always calls strategic ceasefires. They are merely a tactic. Typical Muslim BS/lies/ deception. They will not fight with honor. They will always fight dirty.

Only thing they cleave to is superior firepower and superior attitude!