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Widely reported evidence suggests that pro-Russian rebels in
Eastern Ukraine shot down Malaysian flight MH17 with a missile, resulting in
the loss of nearly 300 lives. Even if that turns out to be true, nobody would
claim that this was done on purpose. It was a stupid, incompetent by-product of
a civil war. It was not a plan to kill tourists. This event results in western
powers rounding on Russia, with resolutions tabled at the UN and all the major
country media unified in condemnation.
Contrast this reaction with the past week's attack on Gaza
by Israel's forces. Blasting children off the beach, widespread destruction of
homes and hospitals, absurd orders from the Israeli military to 'evacuate' when
there is nowhere to go - these events, resulting in the loss of far more than
300 lives, lead western governments to affirm Israel's right to 'defend
itself'! No US, EU or UN sanctions counter Israel's genocide against the
Palestinians, but nobody could claim that these murders are an accident.
The scales are set like this: one life lost that can be used
in support of imperial policy weighs much more than hundreds whose recognition
would be politically inconvenient.
Tony Norfield, 20 July 2014
