[Didymos Thomas]

Out of another conversation, this topic came up: the modern state of Israel.

Personally, I think every culture is valuable to all of humanity and that all cultures have, essentially, the right to live as they see fit. I'm a pretty serious supporter of Tibetan independence, for example.

But at the same time, I can't help but feel torn about the modern state of Israel. Probably doesn't help that my knowledge of the history is limited. I do not argue that Israel should not exist, or that it necessarily should exist - hence being torn on the issue.

I do have some concerns. Maybe some of you who better understand the circumstances can help with these. First, I am concerned for the welfare of the Palestinian people - I understand there has been serious concerns raised about the human rights situation in areas occupied by Israel. Second, I worry about the fundamentalist element in Israel and the drive to war - just like I worry about the fundamentalism in American and predominantly Muslim nations and their drive to war.

We're talking about Jews and Muslims - people who, for the most part of their history, coexisted marvelously. What happened?