Middle East Primer

In the past few weeks, as I have talked with friends and aquaintances about the issues surrounding Gaza and the siege and slaughter that are taking place, I have encountered many people with less than a passing understanding of the situation and its history. I have wished time and again for a primer that would do the teaching for me.

"Thousand Beautiful Things" has posted a documentary by Australian journalist and documentarian, John Pilger, called Palestine Is the Issue. While it is evenhanded, it still manages to discuss all the issues of the Occupation. Pilger interviews both Israelis and Palestinians and discusses such issues as land confiscation, the creation of Israel, water rights and use, closure of borders, routine checkpoints that paralyse the lives of Palestinians and acts of terror perpetrated by both sides. My favorite interview is with a man who lost his daughter in a suicide bombing. It is poignant and informative. Overall, Pilger is logical and thorough in his coverage of the issues.

Please take an hour to view this important film at Thousand Beautiful Things' blog .