Pollard's lawyer: U.S. demanding document held by Rafi Eitan

This is nonsense that Pollard is being held because he is a Jew. Jews are very well represented in American Society and in the legal profession as both judges and attorneys. Two members of the nine member appointed for life Supreme Court are Jews. Jews are not over represented in our prisons. The reason that Pollard is in prison is that he is a traitor to our country. (I know he was not convicted of being a traitor – and O.J. Simpson was not convicted of murder – but they are both guilty.) Pollard is clear demonstration that Israel has the duty to exercise its right to conduct its national affairs as it deem necessary. Unfortunately the United States refuses to accept the reality that countries have the obligation to act in their own self-interest. Pollard should be punished for his crimes, and Israel should have been punished for employing him.

As long as Israel depends for its existence on our handouts and support, it had better treat our spies well.

The problem so many zionists (like you) is that their solution involves the Palestinians accepting that foreign invaders had the right to come into their country, kill many local residents, expel even more of them, and treat those who remain as untermenchen. Assuming (in their ignorance and effrontery) they don't accept that, what alternative do they have? How are the Palestinians any different from the Muslims in Kokovo? Did you counsel THEM to roll over and play dead when the Serbs came in and said that this is our ancestral homeland - get out?

As others on this forum have asked, what does the United States get out of such a transaction? Also, here's something for the Israelis and Jewish-Americans who think that Pollard should have been released or even never put in prison: what if the shoe was on the other foot? What if Pollard had been an Israeli intelligence officer who had given up a shoal of classified documents to the US because he felt it was the morally right thing to do? Something tells me that the people arguing for his release or comparing him to Dreyfus would be screaming for his head. Talk about chutzpah

Pollard was a spy who never gave away information that put a US citizen at risk, didn't disclose any US spies and spied for an ally. Of course he deserved jail time. However, the typically time served for the crime he committed is 5-7 years. Pollard is the only person convicted of those crimes who was given life. Why? Because he was a Jew who spied for Israel. He committed a crime and he's served more 3-4 times the length of sentence he should have served. He should be released.

I really do not understand. The IDF troops that arrested barghouti risked their lives. The informants that tiped Off israeli inteligence services risked their lives. Barghouti was responsible for the start of the intifada that killed thousands. And now there are rumors he will freed . Freed why ? Why did Israel arrest him in the first place ? Why the IDF troops risked their lifes ? If Israel does free Barghouti it will make a mockery of its own legal system

"how many American spies in Israel, who have committed worse crimes than Pollard, the Israeli government has let get away because it is terrified of upsetting the US?" You're kidding. I'm sure Israel would trumpet treason all over the place in order to have leverage for Pollard. Besides, how many American Jews who have made aliyah would have access to classified material?

"I get the feeling that many of the American Jews on this list who condemn Pollard as a traitor are doing it out of a deep-seated sense of insecurity, that their presence in the US is suffered as long as they don`t rock the boat..." Nooo, we condemn Pollard because he is a traitor who sold secrets from his native country for money. For many of us, our religion doesn't play a part in our patriotism. I don't think his Jewish roots had much to do with Pollard's betrayal--he wanted money.

If Pollard saved one Israeli life he did the right thing? If you mean that every American Jew should put the welfare of Israel above that of his own country, you are buying into the sayings of some of America's worst antisimites. Dual loyallty is a serious charge.

How would the swap actually work in practice?Does either side have to get it through congress / knesset? Would Bush have to use a presidential pardon? Where would Barghouthi be released to? Gaza or Ramallah? Which Israeli ministry is responsible for this - defence, justice or public security? (Kadima labor or Lieberman?) It could be good if it were done towards the end of the year just when Hamas is starting to run out of money

Most Jews in America seem to sympathize with Pollard. The exception may be those Jews who work for the Defense Dep't, or used to, and view him as a threat. Have not heard how Asian-Americans in gov't employ view those of their group similarly convicted. Pollard's case remarkably similar to those of Samuel L. Morison and Robert Chaegon Kim, a Korean-American. Morison was pardoned after 3 years in prison, Kim released after 7. Pollard still in after 20. There's lots of innuendo about Pollard's deeds being worse than theirs, but no hard reporting on this, AFIK. See http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/FF12Dg04.html and http://joongangdaily.joins.com/200511/06/200511062243132709900090409041.html Late Caspar Weinberger Jewish on his father's side, raised Episcopalian. Seemed to have a particular rage against Pollard. "Payback" for the Liberty incident also may be part of the Pollard matter. Many Koreans and Korean-Americans have rallied to support Kim, comparable support of Pollard.

Yes indeed Bhuiddism is ethereal, and Japan is de-militarized. Stop the crap already. If you have ever spent time in Thailand you would realize how interventionist Bhunddism is. When it comes to army service, state funding etc. this is a very interventionist religion. No one can be the Bhudda, yet many may try to emulate him. As for the relgiion as a body and beaureucracy it is alot like all the others. Boom sheba.

If I may analyze any further, on the mind of Israel's leader, may be, just may be, Barghouti can be useful in mobilizing real opposition towards HAMAS on the street of Gaza and occupied West Bank. He can be a real challenge to HAMAS. A Smart move. I have no doubt about this.

George Kaplan said: "The Palestinians destroyed their own lives. To cry about Israel`s "occupation" is hogwash. They bought everything onto themselves. They hate Israel more than their will to live normal lives. They would rather live in squalor and destitution, so long as they destroy Israel. Instead of demanding concessions and compromise from Israel, let us find out ONE concession the Palestinians are proposing for peace. I`ll save you the time, there is none. They only have an interest in destruction. Them`s the facts." Answer: Google the Geneva Initiative There is a partner. A very strong partner, but the constant occupation and destruction of Palestinian land and lives will only make this partner weaker. The partner will always continue to exist, even with attempts to discourage it with an illogical and unjustified occupation and killing of innocent people. If you want peace be a real partner, and on the negotiation tables propose a fair solution. Both parties are sick an

Shinto had some causla relationship, yes. However, Buddhism is not an interventionist religion... has no power to interfere with the State... that is one 'beauty' of it... it is 'ethereal' rather than 'corporeal'. Obviously a negative in certain situation though.

The exchange will be meaningfull, if it is between releasing Polard and recognizing each other of Israel and Hamas. It would be a real deal toward peace. Barghouti is a man of the past. Israel know that, that's why it do not want him any longer in Israeli jail.

On rereading your post I noticed a rather stupid statement. You claim that there was no problem for people of German descent in Australia. That's true, but Germany never claimed that it acted for people of German descent all over the world. On the other hand, Israel represents itself as being the land of all Jews. You can't have it both ways; if Israel acts for all Jews, it follows that all Jews who don't deny this claim agree that it is acting for them. You might consider a person who comes from a group which has been as badly treated by Jews as Palestinians might harbor resentments.

several american spies were cought in israel and released.

Mario, Mario, my dear, how biased can you be. Barghouti is a convicted murderer. A a moderate what? Moderate compared to what? A Nazi? "Barghouti is a moderate Palestinian." If that is the face of moderation then to hell with all of them, because nobody will survive on this planet with such 'moderates'. Just look at what happened when Israel released most Palestinians moderate politicians and stop killing the rest. Murder and mayhem. Enough stupdity. "Perfetct situation for Israel so it can complain to the world that there is nobody to talk to. " There is nobody that will make the slightest effort for peace, so why talk? Wake up, get out of you narrow brain washed mind and try to understand why Palestinians are willing to give their lives in order to redeem the meaning of their existence by committing suicide against the enemy" Wake up and learn they want us all dead. They are never willing to make peace. You do not talk with terrorists, you kill them.

as essential reading for any reasonable and rational thinkers. I would also suggest it to the extremes but y'now what they are about anyway I printed them for future reference

Barghouti is extremely smart and fights for his people. He also does not whine about his situation. Pollard is nothing more than a traitor who whines like a baby. Why even mention them in the same sentence. One is a freedom fighter and the other is a rat.

Fox, you need to face reality. All you have to do is return the land you stole from the Palestinians in 1947-48. Let them return to their ancestral homes. Thieves have no right to peaceable possession of stolen property. But you view them as untermenschen living in your lebensraum. You try to rewrite history and ignore the parts not suiting your theories of innatge superiority. Releasing Pollard will only prove the thesis of Mearsheimer and Walt. Iran will get nukes, and you can stew in your stolen house, but you can't do anything about it. GET REAL, GET USED TO IT.

I wrote a similar post. A great injustice was done to Pollard.There was severe anti-Semitism in the US intelligence institutions and they intimidated the Justice system into punishing Pollard HARSHLY and lying to him and to all of us too. The US needs to free Pollard for his own good. Bargouti would have been killed in every other country in the world for his crimes.He should never see the light of day out of prison. Please write to president Bush and say exactly that and demand that Pollard will be freed . CHAG SAMEACH,FLOWER

I repeat where were you people when the Qassems started raining down on Israel and there was no response by Israel.? Where were you on the day of the disengagement when the Arabs were firing Qassems at Israel to show that there was no reward for disengagement? Where were you when an Israeli child was nearly killed by Qassems.? Rest assured that the war criminals who launch Qassems at civillians from civillian areas will get their just deserts.As will their leaders. PS. You do not even answer the Japanese question properly. What was the reparations paid for Nanking? They must have forgotten to pay our Australian POWs who were worked to death or used as slave labour. Is this ignorance on your part?

Beszels magyarul? Need I say more?

Israel invaded the Palestinians' homeland, killed thousands, expelled hundreds of thousands more, and oppressed those who are left in the name of the Jewish people. As far as I know, Jews throughout the world accept that (at least very few protest that this is not true). Israel says all this oppression is done in the name of the Jewish people, and Jews throughout the world agree. Under those circumstances, why shouldn't Palestinians believe Jews (even in wheelchairs) are their enemies and treat them accordingly?

As I said, you want them to roll over, play dead, and accept whatever Israel offers them. That's not a solution that a people fighting to free their homeland from an invader are likely to accept. You feel because some of your ancestors lived in the country 1900 years ago, you are entitled to come in and throw out its natives. Unfortunately (for you) they don't see the justice in that. It is, after all, their homeland (you are an immigrant).

The Militarism between 1868 and the Second World War was largely caused by the recently dispossessed samurai class trying to hold on to their superior status as a group. The Samurai had controlled Japan for more than 300 years and after 1868, many of those who did not commit ritual suicide formed large 'corporations' many of which still exist today... e.g. Mitsubishi. Japan's war of aggression over her neighbours etc, was called for in the name of the EMPEROR (not on a crusade), who of course had descended from 'Heaven'. This idea is more in line with Shinto which is as I am sure you know ' a spirit' religion...'spirits in trees etc... ancestor worship etc... not a religion religion if you like... more of a pre-cursor to what we call religion in the Judeo-Christian/mould. To my knowledge, Buddhism has never been tainted by the military in Japan... more by politics, political favours and political chauvinism. Please prove me wrong... Buddhism is not an interventionist religion... has no power to interfere with the State... that is one beauty of it... it is 'ethereal' rather than 'corporeal'.

Dear Fox, I wouldn't let myself get all wound up regarding SpottedClick. This same spottedClick spews his tirades on EVILLLL Israel at no end at the Motley Fool Political Asylum board ( look it up on Google if you can. He's simply a Jew hater. As people have grown to realize what he stands for, his voice drowned to gnat buzzing around. He is constantly made fun of as he can't keep a single opinion but shifts back and forth as the tides of the sea. Surprisingly he's quite consistent with his anti-Israel/Jew stance. People no longer respect him on the board and he decided to find an outlet here. Feel free to entertain him. It's not like he's getting any back on the fool.

THE ISRAELIS ALWAYS SPIT ON THE FACE OF WHOEVER HELPS AND SUSTAINS THEM.THEY FEED YOU DAILY AND SEND YOU EVEN THE BULLETS TO SHOOT THE INNOCENT ARMLESS PALESTININIAN IN MY CAMP

Let's assume Rafi Eitan somehow personally held on to a classified document no one else has. Never copied, never destroyed - shown to a few officials. Assume also it will 'embarrass' and implicate the Israeli Gov't. Maybe reveal 'Mr. X.' Israel still obviously considers it of the highest security, not to have released it already. (For now, let's agree this is not one of Mr. Pollard's often-alleged self-important exaggerations.) If Eitan now turns over such a document to the USA, he would be the same as Pollard -- a traitor to the interests of his own nation, and at a precarious time in the court of world opinion. Will you all defend him with such fervor? Pollard spied against his country, and if 'no harm' occurred, that is as much sheer luck as design. But we don't know that for sure - whereas releasing the mysterious document apparently will cause harm - to Israel. So far every 'trade' offer does nothing good for anyone but Pollard. Let it go -- He's no hero.

May I also add that the sentencing judge, one Aubrey Robinson,a black man, had a particular dislike for Israel because of her dealings with South Africa, and took this out on Pollard during the sentencing.Luigi if you would take the time to read all of this information you would come to the same conclusion that although Pollard did spy and should have been punished for this his punishment far outweighed his crime. Others who have done much to hurt this country have received far lighter sentences and this is unfair. Something is wrong here and hopefully after 21 years of imprisionment the truth will come out... In the end we do not know how many Israeli lives Jonathan Pollard saved but if it was even one than he did the right thing./...and to stand by and watch this cast of characters including Weinberger and Robinson get away with this behaviour disgusts me more than anything.

Melanie What the hell has bloody Barghauty to do with the so-called spy Pollard. The first is a bloody murderer and the other merely a so-called spy. I am so angry,I do not know how to react except to say the stupidity of the "left" knows no bounds.I hope they don't embark on this and leave that murderer in prison where he belongs.When I read what they are proposing I just could not believe it.As much as I'd like Pollard to be released from the U.S custody it does not justify this latest.Sorry for my outburst,but I cannot help it...

As an American who is Jewish I cannot disagree with you more. Yes Jonathan Pollard did give information to Israel, information I might add, that was supposed to be given to Israel but was withheld. What he did was wrong but the sentence he received was totally out of hatred for Israel and the Jews. He made a plea bargain with the government and pleaded guilty..he was to receive a lighter sentence and no jail time for his wife who was totally innocent. He received a life sentence and his wife 5 years.How disgraceful of this country to do that and now that Caspar Weinberger is dead maybe they will open the records and we can see that there was no reason for such a sentence and for such malfeasance.They attributed the deaths of several American spies in Russia to Jonathan Pollard but when Aldrich Ames was arrested they saw that this was due to his spying. (continued)

4./ editing & writing an addendum to the speech given to the 1991? Children of the Holocaust Memorial for the Polish delegation. 5./ cleaning & otherwise tending the hideously- grotesque abandoned Jewish graves in the Jewish cemetery in the Buda Hills of Hungary. (I was forgetting those two because they are just a little personal). Neither community received a lot of 'justice' whilst alive... at least I attempted to give them both a little justice/dignity in death. Ever been to Europe Peter? Old Warsaw? The Ghettoes? Austwitz? Odessa? Japan? East Asia? China?

So then you agree that it is okay tocommit random mass murder of Jews anywhere in the world.Secondly the actions were taken against the Germans who actually diod the deeds in Germany, people of German ancestry were not kileed in Australia, but for you australian jews would be a legitimate target then.Next THE JEWS did not build concentration camps and murder 6 million Palestinians in the space of 6 years.That you fail to see the difference, that you equate the two, and continue to justify throwing an old Jewish man in wheel cjair off a boat tells me their is somethign seriously wrong with potobec.Your moral compass is upside down.How revolting, how typical of the so called progressives, who value anyones life but that of a Jew is worth less than a dogs. What a mighty progressive you are.

"Stop the violence, let`s talk peace" Indeed, but there's no sign that your leaders in Israel want to do that. Peace talks stopped with Ariel Sharon. And here's a fact for you, Fox. Statistics show that when conditions are most peaceful in Israel, when the Palestinians are at their most quiescent, illegal settlement building by Israel is at a MAXIMUM. History shows that Israel uses peace not for negotiations but to expand its occupation of Palestinian land. There is no goodwill in Israel towards the Palestinians, just a rapacious appetite for real estate that doesn't belong to it.

I remind you that the Shinto religion and priesthood was very pro japaenes militarism and aggression in WW2 and Budhism never stopped anyone from brutality.So please spare me the nonsense about that.The Japanes were only a few steps behind the Germans in their brutalities in WW2.

I never said itwas okay to do that, nor do I say it is okay to target Palestinians at random, nor is it okay to target Arabs in general worldwide because they might support Islamic jihad.I guess then you think it is okay to target jews worldwide and throw old jews in wheel chairs off of boats.You see thats the difference between us, you guys have no morals when it comes to war, anything goes then you complain when you get a black eye.Typical

"I would agree with you that "terror bombing" is an unpleasant way for the Palestinians to wage war. I would ask, though, what alternative they have." If you can't think of any alternative to violence, then you need professional help. If the Palestinians had accepted the Clinton Peace Plan of 2000, they would have had a state in 95% of the West Bank and Gaza 5,5 years ago. If they had been serious about implementing the Bush Road Map, they would have a state right now. But they chose terrorist violence instead. So be it. Israel must take all measures possible to prevent harm to her citizens, including shelling populated Palestinian areas from which Qassams are launched.

On the otherhand, Israel after four major wars and endless years of terror on our borders, as well of boycotts and daily humiliations like airport security and the Munich Olympics, is being told to leave all of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, allow the return of every Arab who claims to be a refugee, and for what? Ahhh yes and here is the rub, for what? for a vague promise of hudna. Not even peace. The Hamas charter states that Israel is Palestine, which means Haifa, Karkur Tel Aviv as well as parts of Jordan I would assume. So after all this, all that you want us to do, do we get peace. NO! So I guess it is time to face reality. let us talk. Let us compromise, but it has to be a win - win. If you are expecting me to accept all of your demands Protobec, you can forget it. If the Pals will not accept us, and want to continue this silly fight, then they will die, and they will be to blame, as well as those who wish them to as unbending as the Pharoh was.

You and they seem to be incapable of seeing the cause/effect relationship. This was not the case prior to Intifada II. All of these actions were necessary to protect our citizens. Did the British turn a blind eye when the IRA was blowing up sites in England. The IRA learned, ceased its violence, and Ireland is "suffering" from an amazing economic resurgence. People are moving back who once fled the daily violence. The PALs on the otherhand are dedicated to the destruction of Israel, to terrorize its citizens. They execute each other, kidnap and attack UN&foreigners that come there to help them. They destroyed the hothouses left to give them economic aid and jobs. The bottom line is that Israeli deaths are down (www.mfa.gov.il terror tracking statistics). Terrorists are being thwarted&killed. We are taking steps to protect our people. Let them take responsible steps to protect theirs. WHEN THE LIVES OF PALESTINIANS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE DEATHS OF ISRAELIS PEACE MAY COME

You asked me what I think the Pals should do. Well to begin with they should have accepeted what was offered to them by Clinton and Barak. they would have had a state by now. They are never going to get the so-called "right of return". Nobody in history has, and their return would mean an end to Israel, so forget it. Throughout history many peoples have had to make the decision of when to fight on and when to call it a day, and take what they can get. Whether it was Tucumseh with the Brits in Michigan, or the Germans fighting to the end in Berlin. The Native Americans ended up living, maybe not the way you would consider honorable but they are alive today and doing just fine. The Germans under Hitler decided to fight to the last man woman child. give for them, but millions were killed rather than saved. the Pals can get most of what they want and need. But if the end game is to get it all, reasonable or not, then they will lose many more people.

The w.b was has been dispute land since 1948 that occupied by arabs.Besides 4 time Arabs nations have been attacked to israel that for destruction of jewish state,but they have been defeated by israel.The w.b have been freed in 1967 six day war,israel has right for her nations security to build the wall any where in w.b they owned that land and they don't get permit from any body. By the way to remind you the wall is temporary,next stap is jordan you like it or not.

As an American Jew , I hope Jonathan Pollard spends the rest of his life in prison. He is a traitor to his country, not a hero. Israel's support of this man leads to the distrust that many of my fellow Americans carry in the back of their minds about Jews. Worry about Jews in countries where they are persecuted,not about criminals who are prosecuted.

I would agree with you that "terror bombing" is an unpleasant way for the Palestinians to wage war. I would ask, though, what alternative they have. While your solution would be for them to roll over, play dead, and acccept anything Israel dictates, that may not fit into their possible solutions to their plight.

If the US was really demanding this document they could get it in about 30 seconds by just stopping the flow of aid and unconditional support. In a few months time there may be at least two more spies locked up. I hope they throw the keys away.

RELIGIOUS EXTREMIST RULES 1. G-D & appropriate prophets are on my side and I can do anything I please. 2. G-D promised me the land exclusively. 3. If my words or actions go against the teachings of the Quran/Torah (as appropriate), that is okay then Religious Extremist Rule #1 takes precedence. 4. My religion, faith, beliefs are absolute and take precedence over all other religions. They are not entitled to their own beliefs. Others must fully acknowledge, learn, and understand all aspects of my religion and culture. 5. The land is more important than anything else including life. We may sacrifice as many people as needed if this will preserve control of the land. Part 4: Military/Combat Rules

MIDDLE-EASTERN RULES 1. When the facts contravert what I believe, then the facts are wrong. 2. If the lie is plausable and senves my position, repeat it as often as possible to increase its credubility. (Classic examples: see Dutch/Doris and Marlene N.) 3. Create as many lies as possible to demonize your enemy. 4. Humanitarian aid and all forms of assistance from the enemy are to be greedily accepted. No thanks or recognition is needed. They owe it to us. 5. Acts of retribution are the fault of those who fight back. They should be totally passive to all forms of assaults inflicted on them. Part 3: Religious Extremist Rules

POLITICAL RULES OF THE GAME 1. Politics, political capital, political gain, political agendas is what it is all about. All else is secondary. 2. In court when justice conflicts with the law, the court will ALWAYS choose the law over justice. 3. Bargaining is based primarily on power and position. History and facts may play a secondary role. 4. Bargaining power is based on alliances. Part Two: Middle Eastern Rules

Where do you think the Arab Islamists-Jihadists come from? Didn't they sweep the whole Middle East, North Africa and all the way to Spain, Southern France and Eastern Europe? Allied Forces fought against the Nazis in North Africa and the Middle East in WWII. Didn't Al Husseini support the Roman Catholic Nazis in exterminating 6 million Jews during WWII? The fact is, we have enemies in that region since time immemorial.

You would like me to feel the pain of the Palestinians. It is difficult, but I can sympathize. You would also like me to forget my own pain. You would like me to wipe out the memories of endless wars and the fourteen year old suicide bomber discovered 100 meters from my home. I cannot and I will not. I will not accept your snow-white treatment of the Palestinians. The wall was built because of their thuggery and maniacal violence. The checkpoints exist to stop suicide bombers. Stop the violence, and their plight will lighten drastically. You should question your own sense of morality which has come to accept a conception that occupation excuses every horrible act in mankind's arsenal. This is a load of shit. Occupation may or may not be bad,but it is certainly not an excuse for bombing babies on busses. Find the excuse in the Geneva convention, it does not exist. Stop the violence, let's talk peace.

"The radio said Israel would hope to convince the Bush administration that freeing Barghouti, a senior Fatah figure, would weaken the new Palestinian government under Hamas." - Haaretz If freeing Barghouti is good for Israel, why should the US pay Israel to free him? Let Barghuti be freed; nobody is stopping Israel from doing it. Stop leeching on the US, Israel. Bush may be dumb but the rest of the US population are watching and will remember. Fooling our most important ally in the most obvious way will cause problems in the immediate future. Unlike what Pollard's lawyer says, Pollard received a life sentence not because Israel did not assume full responsibility for the operation, but because he violated a plea agreement deal with the prosecutors about not speaking to the press (thus potentially revealing more secrets). He spoke to the press before his sentencing. (You can read about this affai in Wolf Blitzer's book, "Territory of Lies".) The guy never expressed regret.

The U.S. had no enemies in the Middle East before the recreation of the state of Israel,maybe. But at that time oil was at 3 cents a gallon,the World Trade centre was still standing,Iran had the Shah and shoes were inflammable.

Tell that to Boeing, which has just lost an El-Al aircraf torder to the European Airbus consortium.

Barghouti was found guilty in an Israeli kangaroo court that was determined to bang him away for a long time. The evidence presented and the legality of his conviction were dubious in the extreme.

"Every time anyone says that Israel is our only friend in the Middle East, I can't help but think that before Israel, we had no enemies in the Middle East." -- Jesuit priest John Sheehan, S.J.

Highlander, I have hundreds of wonderful Jewish friends in the US. And these are just a small fraction of the hundreds of thousands - maybe millions - of US Jews who find Israel's brutal occupation of Palestine to be an outrage. I have been in illegally occupied Palestine several times with Jews from the US, Britain and Israel, and if anything it is the Jews who are more willing to stand up to armed settlers and soldiers who are daily committing human rights abuses against innocent Palestinian men, women and children. I love Woody Allen too. Free Palestine!

"Here I am free and we will fight to keep out little portion" I have no objection to your keeping your little portion, Fox. Trouble is that "little portion" is never quite enough, is it? Israel always seems to need to grab that little extra bit of real estate from the Palestinian people. A new settlement here, a move of the "Security" Wall there, and Israel gets a little bigger every day.

"Jonathan Pollard's attorney said Sunday that the United States would release the convicted spy if Pollard's onetime handler, Rafi Eitan, handed over a secret document which details broad Israeli government involvement in the affair." And why should we take the word of a lawyer over the word of a government? Lawyers lie and so do governments. The press needs to stop using them as sources. As for Pollard's charming wife, well, the less said the better. It seems to me that everyone in the Pollard affair, beginning with Pollars is playing with less than a full deck.

In Feb., 1962, Gary Francis Powers, an American pilot whose U-@ was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960, while spying, was released for a captured Soviet spy, who was serving a prison sentence in the USA. Such exchanges have occurred before, even clandestinely. I have no problem with Barghouti being released in excchange for Pollard, as his release would definitely weaken the Hamas government, and bring order and stability to Gaza, and the West Bank. Barghouti is admired by his brethren, and he is much more pragmatic than Arafat was. I believe that Bush will strike a deal regarding Pollard's release. Also, Olmert should not appoint Rafi Eitan to any cabinet position; Eitan should admit his culpability in the spy affair, and turns over the document which have been requested. If it is going to take the furnishing of the document to get Pollard released, THEN DO IT!!!

Glad you're so happy in Israel, Fox. Now tell me what you imagine it must be like for the unfortunate Palestinian minority within the borders you control? The people Israel is currently starving in Gaza, for example? The people who can't go 100 metres without being stopped at an IDF checkpoint? The people who can't drive on "Jews only" roads? The people facing a giant wall that's been built 5 metres away from their windows? The people being terrorised and stolen from by the mobs of settler thugs? Put yourself in the shoes of the ordinary Palestinian for a moment, and tell me how you would then feel.

First, Barghouti is neither American nor somehow associated with America. Why should we 'trade' Pollard for him? One suspects that having decided it wants Barghouti free anyway, Israel is fishing to see if anyone will pay to see this happen. Second, it appears to have suddenly dawned on Israel that there's two ways of looking at the fact that Barghouti is a dynamic, effective Fatah leader. He was imprisoned on this account, but now as Israel scrambles to find some alternative to the new dawn of Hamas, it occurs to it that it might WANT this guy in circulation. Whether he did or did not orchestrate terrorist attacks suddenly seems very secondary. Sure it might be a good idea for Israel to free Barghouti. Still, since when is the US required to pay Israel to stop being stupid?

Israel often makes mistakes, and this would be one of its worst. Barghouti is more dangerous than the Hamas leaders, as he shares their goal (Israel's destruction), but knows how to talk the talk - that is all the EU and the State Dept. (and Israel'a appeasement movement) require from a Palestinian leader. Although I believe that Pollard has served long enough for providing Israel with secrets re Saddam's nuclear infrastructure (yes, he deserved to be imprisoned, but he was no traitor),releasing Barghouti will directly result in more terror.

WHY WOULD THEY LET OUT A TERRORIST WHO HAS JEWISH BLOOD ON HIS HANDS? THIS GOVT IS CRAZY! I THINK POLLARD SHOULD BE FREED BY LET BARGOHUTI ROT IN JAIL!

So spotted and all the other clicks, if you really are interested in peace, listen to us as well. We are well educated and teach our children peace. Do not come to the table with every angry label possible. If you want to call us facists, communists, racists, occupationsits, imperialists, colonialists, and all the other ists that make up your glossary, then do not expect to achieve much. We are here to stay. Most Jews are well aware of what is happening in the world, not all of them. I hear your rantings and yes it scares me. You are one of the reasons that I am here. I do not want to worry about what you think of zionists or jews. Here I am free and we will fight to keep out little portion, and when the other side accepts our existence then there will be a chance for peace as well. thank you for your time, and hopefully a little understanding and compassion as well.

Instead of their being hofjuden, did it ever occur to you that some Jewish Americans might be loyal Americans whose allegiance is to their country and not another one? Let's propose a situation: Greece gets into a hassle with Israel. Greece is a Christian country. Should all Christian Americans automatically support Greece because it is a Christian country? If not, why should all Jewish Americans support Israel because it is a Jewish country?

Welcome back. I happen to be happy to be living in a society that I respect. I hailed from Canada, and I do not find this country any less free or democratic, and that goes for my Arab friends as well. As for democracy. We do not need recounts and hordes of international advisors to make sure our elections are free. We do not have secret police and soldiers standing at the polling stations. Our media is as free as any in the world...and yes you can say shit and show titties on television here. Oh my! We have a great music scene, no censorship of the arts, and some of the hottest and lovely women in the world. Our boys go to the army and as citizens who vote are well aware of what goes on the territories, and do not need Gideon to tell them. I am free to sing what I want, paint what I want and say what I want. This is freedom. There are Israelis who hate Arabs like piss...is this so outrageous? Did the Brits love the Germans in 1939-45?

You are destroying each other. BUT you got the ball rolling!!

'"He is also TOO Jewish,or NOT Jewish enough"'. It might be most APT to say that he a certain type of Jewish then. The Brooklyn type who has leftist politics. Another of note with a tormented soul is Bobby Fisher (although a denouncer of mother's roots). What is in the air in Brooklyn. I once stayed with a Brooklyn man in Prague & we had a great time together... he was typical of Brooklyn. I like his paranoia inside the movies... not his private life... But isn't a part of his psyche essentially a mix of Jewish creative/comic genius with perhaps the ageless dilemna between volition & tradition/duty. I also enjoyed Phyllis Diller, the Three Stooges, The Marx Brothers... not at all keen on the Kaufman chap from taxi though. All persona non grata? Is there any Jewish individual who exemplifies for you 'the quintessential Jew'? Who do you personally identify with the most? Any role models? 1./ Yes. Sean is offensively hairy... reminds me of my mother-in-law. 2./ I live in Japan. Most of my Jewish friends have probably passed away now or in places unknown bar Olgert and Karina in Warsaw, Simon in Budapest, beautiful Marina in Bondai & Debbie in Melbourne. ... I'll pass on that one. 3./ Yokohama is not near the West Bank. The word actually means 'near the sea' so at least it does have a connection 'water'. Ever been to Japan/East Asia or Europe? '"He is also TOO Jewish,or NOT Jewish enough"'. It might be most APT to say that he a certain type of Jewish then. The Brooklyn type who has leftist politics. Another of note with a tormented soul is Bobby Fisher. What is in the air in Brooklyn. I once stayed with a Brooklyn man in Prague & we had a great time together... he was typical of Brooklyn. I like his paranoia inside the movies... not his private life... But isn't a part of his psyche essentially a mix of Jewish creative/comic genius with perhaps the ageless dilemna between volition & tradition/duty. I also enjoyed Phyllis Diller, the Three Stooges, The Marx Brothers... not at all keen on the Kaufman chap from taxi though. All persona non grata? '"He is also TOO Jewish,or NOT Jewish enough"'. It might be most APT to say that he a certain type of Jewish then. The Brooklyn type who has leftist politics. Another of note with a tormented soul is Bobby Fisher (although a denouncer of mother's roots). What is in the air in Brooklyn. I once stayed with a Brooklyn man in Prague & we had a great time together... he was typical of Brooklyn. I like his paranoia inside the movies... not his private life... But isn't a part of his psyche essentially a mix of Jewish creative/comic genius with perhaps the ageless dilemna between volition & tradition/duty. I also enjoyed Phyllis Diller, the Three Stooges, The Marx Brothers... not at all keen on the Kaufman chap from taxi though. All persona non grata? Is there any Jewish individual who exemplifies for you 'the quintessential Jew'? Who do you personally identify with the most? Any role models? 1./ Yes. Sean is offensively hairy... reminds me of my mother-in-law. 2./ I live in Japan. Most of my Jewish friends have probably passed away now or in places unknown bar Olgert and Karina in Warsaw, Simon in Budapest, beautiful Marina in Bondai & Debbie in Melbourne. ... I'll pass on that one. 3./ Yokohama is not near the West Bank. The word actually means 'near the sea' so at least it does have a connection 'water'. Ever been to Japan/East Asia or Europe? Back-packing?

Dear spot, let's talk. Spot wrote: "only those who are pro-Israeli are to be listened to? Am I right?" WRONG! But it does fit your mind set. Let's see, as a Zionist I have been called a racist by Neo Nazis...delightful..yet ironic. I have been called "Fascist" by people from Pakistan, military gov't and all....curious. "A Religious Autocracy" by Saudis...pure enshallah! "A Marixist Socialist" by a Palestinian....revolution or what? "Apartheid" by Swedes...I think they let in three immigrants last year, all Croatia. ...and the list goes on and on. Whatever is deemed horrible, brutal, Nazis, belligerant, fanatical...that is what I am. Why? Because I happen to be a Jew living in Israel. My son has Arab friends, I have Arab friends...my wife speaks Arabic and is Moroccan....christ how much of a racist can I possibly be. But no, when I try to stand up against this ludicrous rubbish spoken about my country I am treated to this abuse.

You really get off on this, don't you? Do you have a problem with Jews hating Germans because of what Germans did to Jews during WWII? Do you condemn the Jews who took action against individual Germans because they were German? What's the difference?

When one decides to use purple prose, one should be careful and not go so far as to be ridiculous. Your statement "calling for the destruction of Israel, and thus the Jews" is such a case. There were Jews throughout the world during the 19 centuries between the Roman onslaught and 1948, and there is no reason to believe that the Jews of the diaspora would not get along quite well without a state of Israel, as they previously did.

Question: After the exchange, how long will the Israelis' wait before they assasinate Barghouti? A. One hour B. One day C. One week D. One month E. One year Vote for one! Results to follow.

1./hysteria ... no. 2./works of justice...(charity work?)(helping the socially deprived?)... Adopting orphans 3./teaching deprived Japanese children (and adults) about the big world outside of these tiny islands. I don't bother to 'fight' for 'foreigner rights' here because by and large, things are better the way they are for foreigners. When I first arrived here ALL foreigners were finger-printed. Do I pass?

I DID A QUICK SURVEY OF THE REPLIES IN THE J.P. AND HAARETZ REGARDING JONATHAN POLLARD. UNSUPRISINGLY THE PRO POLLARD REPLIES IN J.P. WERE 66%,WHEREAS IN HAARETZ THE OPPOSITE WAS TRUE. 66% AGAINST POLLARD. I CONDEMN THOSE ANTI-POLLARD JEWS

'"-the wall afftects me personally -My children are under attack -I am under attack -My wife is under attack -I have to live with my Arab neighbours."' One answer for all of the above: have it moved to less contentious lines or dismantle it completely as demanded by the U.N. and international opinion. I don't deny being self-righteous... probably comes from my strong Christian background ... therefore diectly out of the pages of your own Scriptures. Three or more generations of my family were Missionaries which made me something akin to a 'Cohen' in my society I gather. I don't intend to change my name though to reflect such a 'religious pedigree', as I gave up on ALL RELIGIONS some time ago... They just don't seem to deliver what they all PROMISE. Instead, I am lucky to live in Japan, where although there were two complimentary religions playing big roles in daily life before, is now a 'safe haven' for those of us who want to feel free of 'shackles' that bog us down in Old Traditional Europe. Religion is Redundant. It is not a Ray of Sunshine anymore... rather a Kiss of Death... ... My argument probably is not pro-Palestinian at all...rather an ALL-CONSUMING contempt for the power of Religion to hi-jack humans into lives of submission, blindness and waste. I I could just as easily take aim at Iran or other theocracies..., Hinduism, Jainism ... ... Ever been to Europe or Japan/other Buddhist country?

Who Is dumber, the state of Israel for releasing a political prisoner tried unfairly in a Jewish court, they claim killed innocent Israelis, everyone knows Barghouti was jailed as a bargaining chip for peace. Everyone also,knows that Israel continues to spy on it Washington backers, then who is Dumber, America for not being more aggressive with Israel, and let Pollard rot in jail.

ha'aretz is a secular jewish israeli newspaper with know liberal views that hopefully will lead to some peacefull accommodation with their arab neighbors. i don't think this is the forum for people to hide their one sided or racist views behind hashem or god. i consider it blashemy to pretend to know the word of god. it would be a good start for these jews to go back to the fundemntal idea of the jews, one god. this idea has been adopted by chistians and muslims. so if you pretend to know the word of god then muslims have same right claim they know the right of god. therefore those who want to hide behind hashem should post on religous web sites. this web site should be for discussion of how to allow 2 peoples to live peacefully with in the international laws and 2006 contemporary ethics.

how many American spies in Israel, who have committed worse crimes than Pollard, the Israeli government has let get away because it is terrified of upsetting the US? The anti-Zionists on this list think that AIPAC/the neocons/the jew-bankers/Israel have a stranglehold on the US, or at least control American gpvernment policies. Actually, it's the other way around.

"If freed, there will be hundreds of American Jewish spies who would sell America to Israel." Hundreds? No millions and millions ... and they're all UNDER YOUR BED

Where it was ok to fire 33 bullets into a little girl because she was a Palestinian schoolgirl. (and he was ACQUITTED by an Israeli court too).

We really want to know , who was the genius , that thought it over ???It did require deep thought to exchange some killer-politician convicted terror and peace activist for the Israeli Fluke Spy , which is a liability , nothing more. Even the secret he got out , we hear nobody could realy care about , since Israel could not use that crap.We think the proper exchange would be the Hevrat Kadisha for both of them.

This is the SECOND biggest anti semitic remark ever made. Jews HATE Woody Allen for it shows up all our insecurites. He is also TOO Jewish,or NOT Jewish enough. He is part of the Anti Jewish Liberal left that according to some people are WORSE than the anti semites. He loves under aged shiksas too along with that other anti semite,Roman Polanski. According to the Right Wing,Woody Allen is a Nazi. Now the BIG questions are:- Do you like Woody Allen BETTER than Sean Connery? Is Haggis another word for Choolun? (Ask some of your 'jewish' friends about that one) Is Yokohama near the West Bank?

Pollard is not a traitor. He did not spy for the enemies of the USA.

As someone who had a family member captured in Hong Kong by the Japanese and held for four years, I object to you using his suffering to make a political point. The brutal answer to that is that the Japanese have compensated the prisoners of war for their suffering. Except they paid it to the government of the day, and as we all know politicians are lying thieving basket cases. So instead of giving the money to those who deserved it it was stolen from them. I agree the comfort women from Korea should be compensated, however, what do you propose I do to ensure compensation is paid? Meanwhile the extradition of five Israeli soldiers is going to be requested for the murder of two British Citizens. I ensure you will be upholding the UK's right to request the extradition and Israel's duty to respond?

The Palestinians destroyed their own lives. To cry about Israel's "occupation" is hogwash. They bought everything onto themselves. They hate Israel more than their will to live normal lives. They would rather live in squalor and destitution, so long as they destroy Israel. Instead of demanding concessions and compromise from Israel, let us find out ONE concession the Palestinians are proposing for peace. I'll save you the time, there is none. They only have an interest in destruction. Them's the facts.

Highlander tell us all about your good works for justice?

Evidence?Where is it? If you read the whole post before replying you might be able to make a rational comment. Wait till the Hamas bretheren start to try and travel in the West then you will have something to gloat about.

I get the feeling that many of the American Jews on this list who condemn Pollard as a traitor are doing it out of a deep-seated sense of insecurity, that their presence in the US is suffered as long as they don't rock the boat. I can compare this with the Hofjuden in Early Modern Germany, whose residence was allowed in German cities only under certain demeaning conditios. Others may want to compare the situation of American Jews with that of Israeli Arabs.

"For the victims of Nanking or the murders throughout Asia or the murders of Allied prisoners or the "comfort women". Do you have any problems with none of these being compensated or large numbers of perpetrators going unpunished?" Hey guys - talk about these things, talk about the wicked British in the Zulu Wars, talk about alien abductions, talk about the Loch Ness Monster but for Pete's sake, don't talk about the crimes of the State of Israel on an Israeli discussion page.....

in all the Pollard affair, from the day he was contacted by the Israeli govt., thru the day of his arrest, when the Israeli Embassy in Washington (specifically Elyakim Rubenstein) washed its hands of him, till this very day. I don't know what happened, but there's a lot of rot, deception, lying and cover-up behind all this. Moreover, the American government and "justice" system has been absolutely heartless and cynical in the whole matter. I only hope the whole affair comes to light and that Pollard is released.

Americans who want to free the traitor Pollard should renounce their US citizenship and move to Israel. Pollard is a traitor, pure and simple. No amount of David Irving-esque lies and distortions can change this FACT. Pollard spied for a hostile foreign power--just ask the survivors of the USS Liberty--and must rot in jail for the rest of his life. US citizens who argue for his release hate America and should be stripped of their citizenship. AMERICA: LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!

"Now there`s a deal. Barghouti is an important Palestinian leader, who can probably defeat Hamas" Barghouti is a great believer in Palestinian unity, and though his roots are in Fatah, I don't think Hamas would have any difficulty working with him as President of the PA. But you're right in your conclusion. Israel would get a nutter in Pollard and the Palestinians would get a great asset in Barghouti.

For the victims of Nanking or the murders throughout Asia or the murders of Allied prisoners or the "comfort women". Do you have any problems with none of these being compensated or large numbers of perpetrators going unpunished? What are you doing about it or are you just a good blinkered resident of who gets his jollies by selectively viewing this conflict to suit your clear prejudices and taking it out of context and preaching on your moral high horse? P.S.Your demonstrated ignorance of the total picture in this conflict is abysmal.

"Hundall was killed by whom??" He was killed in cold blood by an Israeli sniper while shepherding Palestinian children, Peter. Didn't you hear? The five people involved in the cover-up will soon find their travel plans to the European Union altered by a British arrest warrant. Never mind - I'm told the beaches of Israel are pretty good. In time they'll be crowded with Israeli war criminals who can't stir out of their country.

Now there's a deal. Barghouti is an important Palestinian leader, who can probably defeat Hamas. Pollard is a crazy man who, if imported to Israel, will be a thorn in the country's side forever. Typical Israeli exchange: the Palestinians get an asset and Israelis get a loony.

Zionists are ALL deception.Because you know them ALL? Preparing the intifada while Arafat was negotiating with Barak(as admitted by their own minister)of course is shinning honesty,presumably that is why you do not mention it or any other Arab perfidy over the last 100 years. Hundall was killed by whom??You bet with what evidence?? All war is extra-judicial execution. There is unfortunately going to be more if your buddies do not change their covenant.That covenant is a clear statement of war obvious to everybody except yourself. Qassems and suicide bombers are also a declaration of war. Yes Bedouins do live in the Negev,So?

"Yes...indeed anyone who comes to this situation spitting words of hate and calling for the destruction of Israel and thus the Jews, his or her comments are null and void." LOL! I think what you're trying to say, Fox, is that anyone who says anything that might be interpreted by you as hostile to the State of Israel is someone whose opinions are null and void. You are the ultimate arbiter of folk who should be listened to. Now let me take a wild guess, Fox....only those who are pro-Israeli are to be listened to? Am I right?

Why doesn't the US strip Pollard of his American citizenship, and allow him to move To Israel ? I think this will be a fair solution to a thorney problem

Ronnie... not just one of my friends... ALL of them. Russian, Austrian, Hungarian, Chilean, Polish, German... no Americans though. They have too much angst for me even though I love Woody Allen...

Israel should not have needed a spy and America should not need Barghouti. Two countries with so many mutual interests should be more cooperative on these matters. Letting UN politics push American leaders to try and use Pollard to force Israel’s hand, to do things which are ultimately harmful to both countries, was always a mark of Clintonian Politics. I have thought Bush knew better, I still think he knows better than to want Barghouti, but I suspect he is not bold enough to admit that holding Pollard like this is stupid. Let the hippies whine about terrorists being held in Guantanamo, while Pollard rots in Jail why should anyone care?

What special relationship with America?

Why not just hand over the piece of paper what does Israel have to hide?. One of the biggest mistakes Israel made was to target Barghouti on fabricated evidence. It meant the only person Israel could negotiate with was Arafat (may he rest in peace) Not exactly joined up thinking. It seems that the evidence Israel is being asked to give the Americans, could cause severe problems with Israel's major bankroller and armourer. Perhaps this is why this deal has been proposed at this time.

Where it was okay to push Klinghofer of the boat in his wheelchair becuase he was Jewish.

when will israel wake up and realize the only solution is going forward and make peace? for the safety of its citizens and long term solution israel need to negotiate with a viable state with accepted borders, sane leaders, and a people not needing to worry about money and food for the day, and not to forget - a society where things are moving forward (where there is hope), if you want a hopeless situation and an unresolved conflict that will drag on forever you see to it that these criteria are not filled

You talked about your Israeli ambassador friend. What did you mean by that? For us the words "One of my friends are Jewish" is a common A. S. Statement. Maybe not for Israelis or NY Jews who live more in a vacumn but for Jewish Brits for sure.

Oh, sweet Mario. Poor baby has not learned much about anything. You don't see that Barghouti is a hero to his people because he murdered innocent civilians, including children smarter than you seem to be. Tragic is also that a terrorist and murderer like himself is among the "moderates" that we have as neighbors. You probably would cry if your neighbor took away your toy. And you trying to make us think? You read your own post, realize the implications of your own post and think yourself how brainwashed our enemies are. And after that, if you are too tired from thinking, go take a nappy. B"H

Not content with attacking the arguments opposed to your world view, you try to re-inforce your own viewpoint with a little sarcastic name-calling & ridicule as well. Sorry, but lower myself to reply in kind to your personal attacks... Have better ways to expend my mental energies... As you make less grammatical and vocab. errors than others on this forum, I assume that you are originally from New York OR the U.S. I may be wrong but wherever you are from... that 's OK with me. One of my friends a while back was an Israeli Ambassador. He was Irish and his mother living in Manchester, England.

Maybe releasing Barghouti will as the French say ``foutre le merde`` for Hamas by having an effective Fatah operative in their midst.Just when they thought they put Fatah to bed maybe Barghouti could heat things up for them?

Is it possible that Rafi Eytan really retained secret documents from the Pollard affair in his private possession? How the non-action of Israel's governments can be explained? If true it definitely disqualifies for any public political appointment - Pollard's and Bargouhti's fates should be dealt with independently.

Highlander, you have come onto this forum firing your load. Armed with a truck load of self-righteousness and misguided lies. I do not know if you have ever been here. I think not. I do not know what is the basis for your hostility toward Israel. In your case it seems to be a fixation. Is it ideological, personal, or religious? You have obviously chosen your side, and thus have taken to hating the otherside (Israel) with all your soul. this sounds a touch psychotic. Unlike you, the wall afftects me personally My children are under attack I am under attack My wife is under attack I have to live with my Arab neighbours. You on the otherhand win nothing and lose nothing. any movement in the area, and decisions made will have absolutely no affect on your day to day existence. Yet somehow you have come to hate us more then we hate the Arabs. Does this not seem ironic and odd to you? Please explain yourself? and why Japan?

I agree Jim that both should not be released. I also think that Hamas are the Palestinian choice,not Fatah Barghouti's group, and we should all deal with that otherwise there is no credibility. Hamas should and probably will adjust its charter and stance and if it doesnt it will be rightly so strangled anyway. This Bush/Olmert deal would be wrong.Morals dont count much in politics and even though this guy Highlander puts all the negativity of that at the 'zionists' feet when duplicity etc is common in politics the world over and the only morals is if you can get away with it. This deal to me would be a slap in the face for it being so open and so arrogant of a move. They should forget it now,Pollard is a no good spy and Barghouti is a terrorist.

Highlander you do not know me or my state. You have come to this forum armed with ignorance and platitudes. You stated: "You are anti- EVERYTHING bar the destruction of Palestine & Palestinian lives..." Wrong, I fear you are projecting. Calling for the Pals to continue their fight against all odds is to call for their suicide on mass. it is you who gets wet from the increasing numbers of Pals dead. Highlander wrote: "Your opinion is MOST NULL & VOID of all using your own terminology..." Yes...indeed anyone who comes to this situation spitting words of hate and calling for the destruction of Israel and thus the Jews, his or her comments are null and void. They do nothing for peace and only increase friction and the absession with violence. "Your really big `anti` is: Anti -world opinion (not complying with 300 or so U.N. resolutions)." the important resolution was the first one recognizing the state of Israel, and this was turned down by the Arabs

Oh heres another one to trade...How about for Son of Sam?

I find it offensive that Marwan Barghouti is even mentioned in the same sentence as a common criminal like Pollard. Marwan Barghouti is popular on the Palestinian street, is moderate and pragmatic, and has excellent contacts in Israel itself. Targetted killings won't weaken Hamas, but Barghouti can and will.

What an illogical and unlikely swap.

"You are anti-Israel period. thus making your opinons and orders null and void" This is about as logical as saying that because you are a Zionist, Fox, therefore your opinions are null and void. The thing to remember is that Israel will not be able to obtain peace by trying to crush the life out of Palestinian resistance. This will not happen. Peace will only come if Israel is prepared to make real concessions, ones that will cause it pain. I don't see this happening with the present leadership of Israel. What you are therefore guaranteeing for the people of Israel, and for the Palestinians, is low grade warfare to the last tick of recorded time, an endless dance of misery and death. The resistance to Israeli brutality and occupation will continue.

You are anti- EVERYTHING bar the destruction of Palestine & Palestinian lives... Your opinion is MOST NULL & VOID of all using your own terminology... Your really big 'anti' is: Anti -world opinion (not complying with 300 or so U.N. resolutions).

"Spotted" your orders do not make me jump. I am in favor of the wall, it protects my family, and that is of uppermost importance to me. I do not care what you happen to think. The so-called green line is not carved in stone. Before 1967 it was not accepted by the soviet Union or their Arab cohorts. the Palestinian did not envision it as the border until they lost the rest. Israel does not accpet it as a border. so other than those who have no role to play, this line is an illusion. A new line will be drawn, probably with exchanges of population, without transfer. this is the reality. But nothing I say or Israel says will make you happy. You are anti-Israel period. thus making your opinons and orders null and void. Israel exists and will continue to defend its citizens against those who seek to "wipe us off the map" Got it, now swallow it.

Rafi Eitan and his 7 member party must have set a condition for joining kadima coalition. no man left behind let my man go and we will join kadima led government. the old men set conditions on the bush government. they got chutzpa. I don't think president bush cares if the Arab terrorist rots in jail forever. but he needs an excuse for he release of pollard

From the point of view of an American-Israeli who is totally loyal to both the USA and Israel, I say let Pollard rot. He's a filthy traitor and betrayor of the trust that's been established between the USA and Israel. Barghouti is a criminal and doesnt deserve freedom with his savage past. The only way he should be released if it was to gain the release or remains of Ron Arad. Arad for example is a true national hero. Pollard is a piece of garbage and a disgrace.

Like i have said don't worry about the wall. The wall is temporary,next stap is jordan the real palestinians state.and it is possible Barghouti or Hamas will the job.

because I?m sure they just haven?t been caught yet? Still there is a difference between spies from enemy countries and friendly countries, after all Israel is not an enemy of USA and visa versa. Pollard was not endangering the USA, I mean Israel has no intentions whatsoever to do harm to its best friend (I hope!!!!). If Pollard did something to harm the USA he should not be released. Nevertheless I don?t see how these two cases coincide. If Pollard is to be released it should be a separate deal.

I'm glad your Wall gives you comfort, Fox - but move the thing back to the 1967 borders. Any other position and the World is entitled to believe it's yet another none-too-subtle Zionist device for stealing yet more Palestinian land.

Warren, Went you betray your nation for friend or foe, you deserve to rot in jail. Pollard deserves what he is getting because an ally thought that it could get away with recruiting Americans to betray this nation. Well Pollard is learning his lesson, and the traitors from AIPAC will also learn theirs. A spy is a spy, even if they did not directly cause deaths. They murdered their patriotism, and I hope Pollard dies in jail.

Have you read "Why Pollard should never be released" by Seymour Hersch in the 1/18/99 New Yorker magazine? Check it out and get back to me. It is really amazing how many people parrot the tired old line that Israel is a friend of the US; there is no such thing. Israel (like every other nation) acts in its own interests. If that means cooperating with the US, fine. If it means stabbing the US in the back, unfortunate but necessary, and it is done. Can you imagine ANY government saying to itself "Doing it would be in our vital national interest but they're nice guys so we won't do it"?

Exactly... the Zionist modus operandi... . Collusion/deceipt/double-dealing/duplicity... Check #52. Why is it OK for the Zionists to kill ex-judicially which is a crime against humanity, and not the Palestinians when seeking revenge for the deaths of their own citizens? I bet that the real killer of Hundall was not a Bedouin at all... merely a SCAPEGOAT?FALLGUY as Bedouin are lesser beings than Jews... I beleive the Jewish name for them is (Negev) Desert Arabs...

Here we go again. another day of Highlander spewing his Stalinist rhetoric. So sad to see that he delivers the same diet-leftist rhetoric, and believing it. As they say, "a mind is a sad thing to waste." Highlander has no idea what Pollard is incarcerated for. None of us do. He then goes on to blame the Jewish lobby, as if Lobbying is only acceptable if it is done by the Saudis and Big OIL. he also in a need to relieve himself of his bile, attacks our lovely gardened wall. Unlike you Highboy, I live three kilometers from the wall. I am very happy it exists and in my area, where it is finished it has done it's job. but then again, Highlander is easily insulted...and he has nothing to lose in a terrorist act. We in Karkur have suffered from suicide bombers, and it is much better to have the wall then to send in troops to round up killers. Highlander, keep throwing your insults and platitudes, but the wall will stay, and Pollard will be freed.

You read my mind ,i agree with you,but i don't believe there will be that much difference between Barghouti and Hamas.Tanzim and Hamas are both extreme and their goal is destruction of israel.

Pollard, I know it's hard but don't take the easy way out. Instead of giving you the justice you deserve they will commit a horrible injustice instead. Releasing Barghouti is downright dangerous. He will mobilize the Palestinians and empower them beyond anything Arafat did. Don't fall for this insane trap! It's bad enough you suffer for all American Jews. Now, in your name, they want to release a real and present danger back into curculation. They want to turn your suffering into something far worse. Don't do it!

Barghouti to be murdered later, once Pollard is released, Fox? Just goes to show you can't trust the word of anyone in the terrorist State of Israel.

You are completely in error, potobac. Aldrich Ames, not Pollard, was responsible for the compromising of US intelligence ops in the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe. Ames successfully used Pollard`s situation as a diversion for several years until he was caught. Ames admitted that it was his revelations, not Pollard`s, that resulted in the breaking of our spy rings in eastern Europe. Now that Cap Weinberger has died, perhaps we`ll finally learn the details of his betrayal of the plea bargain that he made with Pollard so many years ago.

I do not know of anyone that Pollard ordered the murder of. Barghoutti on the otherhand in front of the world's camera took responsibility and great pride in the deaths of Israelis that he ordered. I would like to see Pollard free. As for Barghoutti he can always be targetted later. Hopefully he will not hide behind his wife and daughters skirts.

If he is as guilty as charged then justice is being done by his incarceration. Not even his defence lawyers were given access to the full details of the charges. Why the secrecy after so many years?

I agree with your point. Pollard was not Israel's spy, and he spied "for Israel" on his own initiative. Why should Israel release a security threat such as Bargouti in exchange for Pollard? Israel is interested in Pollard's release because he is a Jew, and because he has suffered imprisonment for his belief that he was helping Israel. It is an incomprehensible exchange that is being proposed. I wonder if there is anything other than gossip behind this.

Barghouti is a nothing, his release would accomplish nothing. The US has no interest in either his imprisonment or his release. Should Bush accept to release Pollard ,the only person Israel can swap for him, he should make plain, is Mordechai Vanunu.

all categories like pollard should never breath freedom. he is traitor.as for barghouti if he believes in what he did he will manage, but not to be exchanged with a traitor" by america ?it sounds very funny and it will taint his past.

I agree with Warren that Barghouti is no moderate but a terrorist. But I disagree with his assertion that Pollard never did anyone any hard. According to the US press at the time Clinton was considering buying Jewish votes by freeing Pollard, a huge segment of the US intelligence establishment was prepared to ROAR its rejection of a Pollard release because he cost the lives of US agents and/contacts in Syria and other ME countries. No matter who self-righteously you proclaim it, whether Evangelist or Jewish zealot, you cannot make truth of a lie by endless repetition. The wise men and women of Israel must surely recognize that a newly released and brazen Jonathan Pollard, anxious to rub his exploits in the collective noses of Americans from the safety of Israel is the last thing Israelis and the diaspora needs!!

With Bush anything is possible. Before leaving office, he may wish to be remembered for something truly 'meaningful'... something to 'define' his 'eight years in the White House. It happened with Clinton... granting pardons to all manner of undesirables. Barak personally besieged Clinton about Marc Rich's pardon... As with Olmert's scheduled mission to Washington , with an ignorant/impressionable Bush in office, it is the very best chance to go with 'cap in hand' and assuage him (if neccessary) into agreeing to items on the 'shopping list'... Pollard may be one of the items...he may not be. It will depend upon the state of the American public opinion at that time about Jewish Lobby power etc. Maybe the only real item on the list will Bush's endorsement that the ILLEGAL WALL becomes a future permanent border despite all reassurances (lies) to the contrary... If the deal goes through, I doubt whether Barghouti will be alive too long... He will be at the top of the 'HIT LIST' so that is why it would be the DEAL OF THE CENTURY... "We 'repatriate' Pollard whilst we attend Justice for Barghouti later... " Isn't that how Israel operates?... Potentous?

Barghouthi didn't spy on America. He only sought to liberate his people from a hateful colonialist occupation. Pollard, on the other hand, betrayed his country and worked for a foreign country as spy. He should never ever be allowed to leave the prison alive. If freed, there will be hundreds of American Jewish spies who would sell America to Israel.

What the hell kind of trade is that? A traitor for a murderer?

Gee, Barghouti (which means "housefly" in Arabic) is a moderate, he murdered a few less people than Arafat, so for the Americans, he is a "saint". The only difference between him and the HAMAS is that they tell their people the truth about their goal to destroy Israel, while Barghouti tells lies to the Americans that he supports "peace" in order to get money and weapons, even though he wants the same as HAMAS. Pollard must be released UNCONDITIONALLY.

GREAT DEAL! EVIL BARGHOUTI IS BOUND TO COMMIT TERRORIST ACT SOON AFTER RELEASE,AND BE REARRESTED. NOT SO POLLARD WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN SET FREE LONG AGO. HE IS A JEWISH HERO AND HIS SELF SACRIFICE IS RECOGNISED BY HASHEM.

I remember reading once that it was the Israeli government that encouraged Muslim fundamentalist to return to the West Bank and provide competition to the PLO. Now we refuse to deal with Hamas because it is a terrorist group but will allow a convicted terrorist to get a pass on justice so he can recharge the terrorist Fatah forces. Sounds alot like the previous mistake. Only idiots would make a proposal like that. Pollard is a traitor and deserves no clemency.

C'mon guys, GET REAL-- Pollard's going to die in a federal penitentiary just as the judge sentenced him to 20 years ago. Peace between Israelis and Palestinians is a wonderful goal, but if you know anything about us Americans, it's that we demand JUSTICE. I'm not saying that the Barghouti side of this emerging news story is a bad idea, I would just remind you all that the people here in the U.S. aren't going to consent to opening the prison gates for Mr. Pollard without thinking twice, just because Hamas refuses to sit down with Israeli peacemakers. Perhaps Barghouti will be released SOMEDAY, but an uninvolved, convicted criminal here in America won't be part of the deal.

The assumptions made here that Pollard didn't damage national security are out of the air. My understanding is that he gave away a lot of intelligence well beyond that affecting Israel, and received "gifts" from Israel in return. However, I think he has served sufficient time and should be released. The "hero's" welcome he will receive, however, I find disturbing. I believe the Israeli government has been looking for a way to turn Barghouti loose now that Hamas is in charge. Who knows if he is really guilty? And he appears to have the political capabilities that Israel needs for negotiations. I hope it all works out.

I think, releasing a such scum spy would be a precedent. as long as he was before a just trial, let him stay in jail, punishment is a cure.

You got it on the nose ! If it goes as planned this time next year it may wind down and only leave Adolf Iran Hitler adjerdaineomite left as the only threat in the are!!!! God willing!!

Good question B. Pollarad should have been freed years ago. Bargouti is a terrorist responsible for a lot of death, he should never go free ,NEVER.

I got a better idea: Relese pollard and send the murderer to the Gallows. This way thay both leave jail, and evry-body is happy.

It's just like Israel...when things start to finally go their way they cave in to terror. It's as if Israel is addicted to pain. The Pals are rudderless and crave a new charismatic terror leader to fill Arafat's filthy boots. Barghouti will fill that void easily. The streets of Ramalah will be birsirk screeming "Marwan! Marwan Marwan!!!". Is that what Israel needs right now? And what does a Pollard pardon have to do with Barghouti? Does this mean the US is supporting Barghouti? If Olmert tries to push this through he should be removed from office....physically.

You describe Bargouti, Yimach S'hmo, as "A Palestinian leader who "has never harmed anyone". Of all the inaccurate, insane posts I have read on Haaretz, this by far wins the award. Are you still delusional ? What in G-d's name are you talking about ? Never harmed anyone ? The death penalty is not humane enough for him. He deserves to be dismembered, limb by limb. Others refer to Bargouti as a "moderate". If he's a moderate, Hitler should be nominated for a Nobel Prize. This cold-blooded killer should be executed, and buried in the Atlantic, never to be seen again. By the way, Palestine is free. Drive a couple of hours East, to Amman.

wibism You all sound like such political novices. This is about Barghouti not Pollard. Turns out Hamas is amatuer hour. Barghouti will emerge with an agenda guaranteed to Israel by the US who was convinced by Abbas. On Abbas' word, the US is vouching for Barghouti's abuility to deliver a program Abbas sold them and Israel agreed to. Pollard was just the sweetener in the deal. Barghouti will be the Palestinian that makes peace with Israel.

It is just not done to spy on a friendly country. That was an unforgivable insult. Israel should consider itself lucky that the Americans only punish Pollard and have not stop aiding or supporting Israel. As for Barghouti, he will be released sometime but not just jet.

Pollard should spend the rest of his natural days in jail. He is a traitor. His actions may very well have led to the "outing" of individuals who helped us endangering their lives. He and others like him should never be released. Let him serve as an example to all others who would betray the United States. No excuses are accepted.

The poster is right-- US has nothing to gain. But the other posters are wrong when they say Israel gets a bad deal. Barghouti is a terrorist leader but much more desirable than Hamas and Islamic fanatics. Further he is much more educated in politics and civics than Hamas' inept cabient and as popular unlike the old farts of the PLO. Israeli strategists are smart to bargain his release. Too bad there are no chips except a traitor in the US.

Its great news for all Israeli and Palestinians, Abu alqasam Marwan he is moderate leader and he will work for peace, and Fateh will rise again to lead and end the short era of hamas for ever. All Palestine waiting for Marwan Barghouthi, you?re the hope for peace and victory.

Why would US release a traitor? Solve your own problems with the Palestinians, Barghouti is ain't our business and we shouldn't have to release someone who is guilty of treason from jail.

It's laughable the way you zionists rewrite history and expect intelligent people to swallow your bs. It's Israel, not Hamas, who silences moderate Palestinian voices -- such as Barghouti's. Hamas has recognized Israel's right to exist within the 1967 borders -- borders confirmed dozens of times by the United Nations and the International Courts of Justice. Continuing to pretend Hamas wants to destroy Israel only reveals the zionist duplicity. Hamas wants only what belongs to Palestine. Israel wants what belongs to Israel and what belongs to Palestine - for now. Free Palestine!

...Release Pollard but Do Not Release Barghouti --- typical zionist mantra: Everything for Israel and nothing for anybody else. Free Palestine!

Oh Puhleeeeze.... Pollard is a traitor and should have been hanged. Marwan Barghouti is a patriot who never killed anybody and never sold secrets to an enemy -- and please don't tell me Israel isn't an enemy of the US. If not for Israel we wouldn't be the laughing stock of the world. Free Palestine!

This is one of the silliest stories I have ever read in Ha-Aretz. There is no chance in hell of such a scenario playing out. From the US perspective it is unthinkable. There are only two ways Pollard is ever seeing freedom: a presidential pardon or parole. Neither are likely any time soon. A deal like the one fantasized in this article is nonsense and belongs in a cheap tabloid, not a serious newspaper. Just saying Barghouti and Pollard in the same breath is ridiculous enough. Barghouti is a serious political leader, whatever else you may think about him. Pollard is a political nonentity -- an insignificant convict with a cult following. Israeli journalists are often played by the Israeli military establishment, and this seems a good example. Pollard's wife floated a silly story a couple of days ago, trying to get Olmert's attention, and now the spinmeisters of Israel are responding with one of their own. Ha-Aretz should be too smart to fall for it.

Israel most often gets into trouble when they conclude deals or undertake policies which seem expedient at the moment but end up backfiring. Pollard is a convicted "spy." (I still don't see how someone can "spy" for an ally.) He may have "spied" out of conviction but he certainly took money for the information he gave away. Spy or no spy he is not in my book a decent person. Still, I think the sentence he got was too harsh. Having said this trading him sets a bad precedent. Israel openly acknowledges that Pollards was an agent of theirs. Moreover trading him for a convicted terrorist who will then be free to become a Palestinian leader tells the world that the US values Berghouti as a leader. If the deal goes through and Berghouti becomes a leader any criticism of him by Israel will be coupled in the media with this having been traded for an "Israeli agent who spied on America." Israel is being set up. Don't trade the greedy Pollard for the convicted terrorist.

Mario, my dear fellow, it wasn't Israel that assasinated moderate Palestinians, it was Arafat who systematically killed them in the 80s when any rose to speak about a settlement with Israel. To this day Hamas carries on the tradition by eliminating any moderate voices.

It's outrageous that the US suggests exchanging Pollard, a convicted spy who should have been executed long ago, for a Palestinian leader who has never harmed anyone. Barghouti is guilty of being Palestinian, which apparently is all Israel needs to persecute, torture and imprison him. Free Palestine!

...Release Pollard but Do Not Release Barghouti

What does this hateful terrorist have to do with America. Is Fatah a branch of the American State department. Pollard merely helped Israel destroy the nuclear plans of the hateful Arab tyrant Hussein. He was not trying to betray America. He was trying to help save Israel. Israel is one of America's greatest allies. Why would any sane person want to free a hateful terrorist for a Jew that has more than served his punishment. He did not betray America to its enemies. The Muslim Palestinians danced in the streets on September 11. Who comes up with these lunacies? Free Pollard Period. He helped save Israel and the world from another Muslim lunatic.

Five lifes minus one = four lifes-that's remainder for murderer of jews.

When the Haredim rioted in favour of release of the child killer,one of their own,I was disgusted. The release of Pollard for Barghouti would be digusting.Is it cheer for Infamous Character Week? There is obviouly something devious in the works here. The obvious is that Israel needs a balance in the Palestinian situation with Fatah that would rival Hamas,a la divide and conquer.The US would get 30,000 less phone calls a day that is hurting the GNP of America (or maybe Bangalore,India). I would trade the Chasidic Child Killer and Son of Sam for 3 Draft choices...

The usual understanding is that Israel traded information for more favorable treatment for Jews who remained in Russia and increased openings for Jews to leave Russia for Israel. In the short run this was a sensible thing for Israel to do. As a sovereign nation, Israel acts in what it perceives to be in its own interests. If that includes cooperating with America, it does that. If it includes stabbing America in the back, it does that.

It is not a matter or right or wrong or what these people have done. It is a matter of what is in the best interest of the American and Israeli governments as they jockey positions and weigh the benefits. If Bush needs to improve his image in the Arab world and the price isn't too high, he will do what he thinks is in his best interest. Israel will weigh the benefits of securing Pollard's release in exchange for Barghouti's. Since Barghouti is a moderate and is fairly popular, this could work against Hamas' Ismail Haniyeh. With the political turmoil in PA, financial crisis, and no other potential leader on the horizon, it may well be in Israel's best interest in the long run to release Barghouti if he can be instrumental in cleaning up the mess in PA. Ironically, if he resolved the internal fighting, strengthened PA's bargaining position, and even became formidable adversary at the bargaining table, it would benefit all sides as they moved toward peace.

But Stephen, Pollard wasn't a spy for Russia, he was a spy for a country which bore no ill-intent towards America, and he put no American lives in danger. Nobody claims that he should not have been punished, just that his punishment should be consistent with other traitors' punishments. And is it a double standard to think that a mass murderer should get at least as severe a punishment as a spy who didn't cause any deaths?

As an American Jew, I am against the release of Pollard. If a deal is made for him, it will be bad for Jews in America, and for Israel. He knew what he did was wrong. If he did it for Israel, he should be content to rot in prison for the rest of his life.

potobac. What are your sources? Imaginative arab propogandists. You claim Israel sold american secrets to Russia. This sounds like a total fabrication. Israel is the US's closed and most dependable ally, BY FAR, and would never do such a thing. Of course Russia-Israel relationships are such that there would never even have been a reason to give anything to Russia.

That's right...exchange a serial mass murderer who has plenty more years left in him to do damage for a low level spy who is wrongly being imprisoned. If Israel ever caves into this BS they're nuts! Pollard should be released on his own merits and Barghouti should rot in prison on his own merits. I love they nasty, disgusting haters of Jews (self loathing or otherwise) who concoct these exchanges.

What if Pollard had been a spy for the Russians, and had given them sensitive information that could have put American lives in danger? What if he had been a spy for the Chinese? Had he, in that case, been "a spy who never harmed a fly, who saved lives"? Of course not. But since he is a Jew who spied for Israel, he must be innocent and harmless, rather than a man who knowingly betrayed his country and deserves to pay the price for it. A spy is a spy. Do your double standards never jar you at all?

Mario, Mario, how condescending can you be? And how wrong? Barghouti is not a moderate - he is an arch-terrorist who is responsible for the death of scores of Israelis, among them children of 2 of my friends. And do you consider Hamas leaders Yassin and Rantizi among the moderates assasimnated by Israel? Pollard was a traitor but he never harmed America, so why is his punishment so much more severe than others whose treachery was so much worse? Israel has been trying desperately to talk to Palestinians, moderates and radicals such as Arafat, but what has it achieved? A war with over 1000 civilians dead! Take off the blinkers, Mario.

Pollard was an American who actively spied against his country, and he knew the risks. Israelis defend Pollard like he's a hero but he's just a traitor -- he's not Eli Cohen; he's more like Vanunu. There's nothing any more ethical about what Pollard did to the USA than what Vanunu did to Israel, both claiming their own arbitrary moral high ground. Offering to trade a murderer for Pollard sends an exceedingly cynical message to all involved. Maybe 20 years is enough for Pollard, but two years isn't enough for Barghouti. Better to ask for a pardon in 2008. This will not help Fatah - and why would you want to? - because Palestinians will know the cynical rationale behind such a deal. Maybe it accomplishes getting Barghouti killed, but it will look to the world like what it would in fact be: a graceless, heavy-handed manipulation by the US and Israel. I expect that of the Bush WH, but I'd hope you have a little more PR sense.

Nope. Let Bargoughti rot.

Your "who never harmed a fly" is, to say the least, imaginative. He knowingly, willingly, and with malice aforethought betrayed his country and sold information to Israel which later was sold by Israel to the USSR. This seriously compromised the US (I would have said our, but in your case I'm not sure that's accurate) intelligence operations by telling the USSR where we were able to penetrate their system. This enabled them to close those leaks.

In spite of Mario's harangue. It is the arabs that are brainwashed. Suicide bombing is a pathology, not an act of heroism. Bargouti is a criminal for murder. Pollard took the life of no one in the US or Israel, and should be released.

safe home, marwan. safe home.

israel taking palestinian hostages to free it's own spies in the U.S ???????????

Even if I cannot obtain release from this long-term detention I consider myself to be in, as G-d is my witness, I empathize with all prisoners, and I find it interesting that I put a prayer in the Wall for Pollard, and that the Pensioners Party has put Rafi Eitan in the limelight. How strange that things come around.

This will make a mockery of both the US and Israeli justice systems. If the deal does go through, I hope Barghouti gets whacked.

Marwan was never a traitor to his people. Pollard The Spy, betrayed my country. His loyalty was to Israel and he posed as a loyal American. If he is released I hope justice finds him.

israel gets back its spy....fatah gets back its leader...what exactly does the usa get out of this deal? this looks like a win-win deal for israel and palestine..and a no-win deal for the americans. but isnt that how it goes in the middle east.

Melanie, Melanie, my dear, how biased can you be. Barghouti is an hero among his people, and a moderate one for that matter. George Washington was an hero among early Americans but and a traitor among the English. Do you get the point? Or, are you so closed minded and not to see the difference? Barghouti is a moderate Palestinian. Just look at what happened when Israel assassinated most Palestinians moderate politicians and put a few more in jail. The result was the rise of radical from Hamas. Perfetct situation for Israel so it can complain to the world that there is nobody to talk to. Place all moderates in jail, assassinate a few more, erradicate the rest and you will ever the ultimate solution, no more Palestinians to talk to. Wake up, get out of you narrow brain washed mind and try to understand why Palestinians are willing to give their lives in order to redeem the meaning of their existence by committing suicide against the enemy. Food for thougth, Melanie, my dear, just think.

Why should the United States be involved in getting a terrorist released? Pollard should have been released a long time ago. When Clinton wanted to release Pollard, the "establishments" protested because they were more concerned in keeping Pollard in jail then catching Islamist-Jihadist terrorists and preventing terrorists attacks on the USA. Ergo, 9/11 happened along with the deaths of 3500 Americans.

How pathetic is the Leftist Government in Israel that it would agree to release a Mass Murderer of innocent Jew, in exchange for a spy who never harmed a fly, who saved lives, who should have been released years ago anyway

As an American Jew, I can say that this deal is highly unlikely. Jonathan Pollard is a traitor plain and simple. His case his unrelated to the situation between Israel and the Palestinians.