Racism, Israel and Muslims/Arabs

Submitted by Dan Katcher (United States), Apr 21, 2003 at 15:19

I am always struck by the notion that Israel is labeled as racist. On the other hand, when I think of that word I think of people who dislike/hate others simply for what they are ethnically, religiously etc., and not so much for what they do. I don't think Israel fits the definition of being a racist state although others may disagree. Yet when I hear some muslims/arabs speak about "others", ie those who are not muslim, those folks are disliked for simply being non muslim. Saudi Arabia is a nation that dislikes non-muslims in the "holy land". Interviews w people in the street in Afghanistan, as reported in the papers, suggest they don't want non- muslims in their midst. Is this not racist thinking and if so, why is it acceptable for this group of people to be racist and others to be criticized by this very group of people Or am I way off base?

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