Go Back to Blood Banking

Yet another non-governmental organization has distinguished itself by failing to have the slightest bit of common sense concerning the Middle East. This time it is the Red Cross. I was just getting over the fact that the international Red Cross had refused for so many years to allow the Israeli branch to officially use the Star of David becuase it would offend all the Islamic brenches using the Red Crescent. Finally, they reached a gutless compromise in which Israel used a red prism, or red trepezoid, or some such internationally, but could use the Star within Israel. Weaselly, but not actually insulting.

Now the Red Cross has decided to denounce Israel becuase of "humanitarian" concerns in Gaza. It puts the blame squarely on Israel for the situation. No mention of the rockets. No mention of the terrorist attacks. No mention of Shalit, still a prisoner.

So who cares? Well, once again, a possible neutral intermediary, or honest broker has now been discredited, leaving one fewer. Once again, the world demonstrates that Israel cannot depend on any objectivity or real neutrality when it comes to interntational organizations. All this makes any real peace harder, particularly when and if some aspect depends on some third party to inspect or enforce the terms of the agreement.

Red Cross, let me introduce you to Amnesty International, another NGO whose credibility in the Middle East is now in tatters. I hope this works out for you.