The BBC reports today that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees is quite concerned with the plight of Palestinians in Iraq.
"The UN refugee agency has said it is increasingly concerned about the worsening situation of Palestinians living in the Iraqi capital, Bagdad. More than 100 Palestinian families had received written death threats on Thursday and were concerned by the worsening situation, the agency said. There is also concern about the health of 89 Palestinians who tried to flee Iraq but were refused entry to Jordan."
Ahhh, Jordan refused to let Palestinians into their country? Hmmm, how to blame Israel for this?
"The UNHCR estimates about 34,000 Palestinians currently live in Iraq. Many arrived after the Arab-Israeli wars in 1948 and 1967 and enjoyed generous financial support from former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who championed the Palestinian cause. The Palestinians' healthcare, school and housing was subsidised and many received government jobs, leading to resentment among many Iraqis."
No doubt. Funny, I don't recall seeing the UN High Commissioner for Refugees voicing any concern for either Christians or Jews in Iraq, who are being harrassed, kidnapped, assaulted and killed.
On a related note, over at Agean Stables, the question is raised:
"What is it about the Palestinian condition and society that so inspires do-gooders and liberals worldwide? And is their selfless commitment reserved for the Palestinians only? Dare we assume that these good people are also in the hellhole that is Darfur, for instance, caring for traumatized, raped and abused women and tormented children; running schools and clinics for this displaced and helpless community? Are all the wonderful, caring and idealistic young EU people, who protect the Palestinians with their very bodies, also caring for the suffering, hopeless millions of Africa? If not, why not? What is it about the Palestinians?"
Strange coincidence. I have just posted a piece about the Palestinians fleeing Iraq. We are both on the same wave length. Too bad there aren't any more to join us in battling Israel-bashsing.
Posted by: Mort Reichek | March 29, 2006 at 10:05 PM