A New York Times editorial accuses the US and Israel of hypocrisy in allegedly planning to destabilize the Hamas government of the Palestinians because "two countries that have shouted the loudest about the need for Arab democracy."

The terminology is insulting and the facts are wrong.  Natan Scharansky, who was formerly a single Cabinet Minister under Prime Minister Sharon, but who resigned last year, may tout democracy for the Arab world, but the Israelis have been far more cautious. Either the Israelis feel public comments from Israel about the desirability of democracy in the Arab world would be counterproductive or they feel that democracy will lead to even more dangerous regimes in power. They certainly are not "shouting for democracy. The Times tries to paint the Israelis as being hypocrites and liars, but does so hypocritically and untruthfully.

Ed Lasky  2 15 06