The ricochet effect

When we consider all those killed in Paris over the last few days, we must also think about the ricochet effects. The actions have had an impact both on the immediate family and friends and the wider sociopolitical community. Many have suggested that this is the 9/11 for France. Melanie Phillips in The Times today raises an additional important point, namely the issue underpinning the present crazy situation is fundamentally antisemitic. She argues that the fate of the west is - inextricably linked with the fate of the Jews and that of Israel. We have not taken sufficient cognizance of this fact. Is she correct is this assumption? I think she is. Having a rabidly antisemitic religious force like puritanical Islam that is antithetical to any integration and equality in our society is poisonous to the whole body politic. The question is - how to deal with it? Jews are taking the initiative by moving increasingly to Israel where they feel more safe and secure. The problem is that as more go to live there, they are dispossessing the Palestinians from their land, and thereby increasing the degree of hatred and so it goes on. A tragic war game without any end in sight.