BRENDAN HOLLERAN,
Sir, - I am very surprised to read the article in today's paper (April 30th) by Tom Cooney in which he appears to offer unqualified support to Israel in its actions in the West Bank. The article lacks balance and consequently, in my view, credibility. He severely criticises the UN and the Palestinians and portrays the Israelis as victims of a campaign of terrorism by Arafat and the Palestinians. He asserts that Arafat is waging this campaign which assumes that he controls the militants who committ these atrocious crimes against Israeli civilians.
Is this true? Does Arafat have this power or would it be more accurate to accuse him of not doing enough to prevent these suicide atrocities? Mr Cooney says that Israel has "acted with remarkable restraint" but how does he know this as no independant investigation has been carried out? Mr Cooney accuses the UN of bias against Israel but could he not be equally accused of bias in their favour? He makes a series of allegations some of which he could not know to be true.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of this conflict it seems to me that there are millions of people on both sides who will continue to suffer until leaders on both sides are willing to recognise the humanity of their "enemies". It is very simple in a conflict situation to take one side or the other rather than have to face the complexity of the underlying causes of the conflict. However, taking sides will not help the protagonists to find a just solution to a tragic human situation. - Yours etc.,
BRENDAN HOLLERAN,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16.