Roots of terror: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
International Herald Tribune
November 6, 2003
Philip Bowring 

The editorial "Pursuing Mideast peace" (Nov. 1) attempts to justify terrorism by suggesting that it is a response to hopelessness — in essence, blaming the victim, Israel, for the murderous actions of the Palestinian terrorists.

If you want to find the real causes of terrorism, look no further than the recent hateful comments about Jews by former Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia, and the standing ovation that he received at an Islamic summit. Or look at the recent EU poll that branded Israel, rather than terrorists, as the biggest threat to world peace.

Hate, not politics, is what stands in the way of Middle East peace.

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Stephen A. Silver, Pleasanton, California

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