Look at history for Middle East answers

I find it sad that history is either forgotten or ignored when some form opinions with such dire impact. A reader (Sep. 30) writes that a Palestinian state won't work since Israel has been Jewish for a thousand years. Israel was created 61 years ago.

As is typical, the arrogant victors of WWII decided that carving up Palestine and creating a new country was the best solution. Imagine if someone decided that carving up Illinois and giving it to some other group was in your best interest?

The shortsightedness of that decision long ago has resulted in thousands of deaths and an endless struggle for the foreseeable future. The injection of religion into political decisions worsens the problem. God gave Israel to the Jews? That is your belief, not that of most of the 7 billion other people on Earth.

I think God would be disappointed in your lack of humanity. Perhaps we should let God rule his Kingdom while we try better to govern our own countries and work more closely with others. I think we'll be blessed if we act in good faith and with compassion to others, not whether or not a created country called Israel exists.

Jay Mitchell

Naperville