Sir, - Nathan Sharansky would have the world believe that President Reagan sparked a democratic flame that continues to engulf tyrannies, while Israel, which has made tens of thousands of Palestinians refugees in their own land is the injured party (The Irish Times, October 14).
One wonders what are the feelings of so many South Americans who have endured the proxy tyrannies of US-approved and supported dictatorships.
The deaths of Arab civilians are "unfortunate deaths", while the deaths of Israelis are "murders". Provocation after provocation by Israel against Palestinians is ignored by the West.
Blanket approval for massive attacks with tanks, artillery and aircraft can be expected every time by the US and the veto in the UN is threatened against those who would censure such disproportionate relations.
Even today Israel continues to steal land and build illegal settlements in the full knowledge that these acts are both illegal and provocative. The bully boys know that with US elections around the corner they can behave with impunity. When Palestinians request an international inquiry into the tragedies of the past few weeks, what possible reason except guilt could the Israelis have for refusing?
Only a fool could believe that the US is an honest broker in the obscenity that passes for justice in Palestine. As usual, the UN tut-tuts and does what it always does. - Yours, etc.,
John A Cullinane Coolroe Heights, Ballincollig, Cork