Robin Carnahan: “last week, as people of many faiths celebrated holy days of peace, our television screens were filled with visions of…”

“last week, as people of many faiths celebrated holy days of peace, our television screens were filled with visions of horror. Young Palestinian men and women, strapping explosives to their bodies and detonating themselves in crowds of Israeli civilians, destroyed dozens of lives and with them exploded the hopes and dreams for a peaceful resolution of the Middle East crisis. The words used to acclaim these acts are deeply troubling. The murderous bomber who killed celebrants at the Passover meal was deemed "a glorious martyr." Such a proclamation is a cruel hoax, perpetrated by those dedicated to the destruction of the Jewish state. It comes from those who have never admitted in their hearts--and will never admit that Israel has the right to exist within secure and peaceful borders. They unleash their hate under the banner of such groups as Hamas, and Hezbollah, the Fatah and the Al Asqa Mosque Martyrs' Brigade. Unfortunately, the leader of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat, is unwilling or unable to prevent the wave of assaults against Israeli civilians. For far too many years he has talked the talk of peace; but he has never walked the walk for peace.”