"Can you imagine what would happen if Israel’s friends tried to engage in debate? It’s a no-win proposition. Why do you think we had to savage the Goldstone Report? When we explain to people that Israel has to kill to survive, we get called war criminals. How can you hope to argue with people who think Arabs should have the same rights as Jews do?" -- Moshe Schmeckel

"Make no mistake; the next two years will not be easy for the White House or for Middle East diplomacy. It is still a steep climb for the U.S. to find its way out of the deep holes dug by the previous Administration. And with unresolved problems on the home front (economic woes, chief among them), and an aggressive and now emboldened opposition seeking to place obstacles in their path (including investigations and Congressional hearings that will consume valuable White House energy), the Obama Administration and America are in for a rough ride. But the President still has considerable talent and tremendous resources at his disposal. And, as polls show, despite the deep partisan divide, most Americans want him to succeed, especially in efforts to restore American prestige and to achieve a comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East. If he has the will to fight off disruptive initiatives and domestic challenges, he can still make some progress on both fronts."

Since a government, at least in theory, exists to serve and protect its citizens, [Omar] Khadr should have had the full support and protection of his government, but it did not see fit to fight for his extradition on constitutional grounds. Khadr, you see, is a Muslim, and therefore is not entitled to basic legal or humanitarian protection in the minds of Canada’s slavishly pro-Israel sycophants.

"The election of 2010 is now grim history. It’s time for progressives to go back to the grassroots and organize with renewed, deepened commitment to changing the direction of this country. If we believe that state power is crucial -- and if we believe in government of, by and for the people -- it’s not too soon to begin planning and working for change that can make progressive victories possible in future elections."

"Whether simply exploiting insecurity and fear of Arabs and Muslims in a crude effort to win votes - tactics that worked so well for Republicans in the post-9/11 environment, or mixing these national security concerns with good old fashioned xenophobia, with a touch of Islamophobia, to infuse their supporters with intensity - it's a dangerous game with worrisome consequences. And with the GOP poised to wield even greater influence after this election, I believe that those who place value in the need to promote greater understanding have every reason to be concerned."

By larding the paper with infotainment, celebrity worship and soft features, the Vancouver Sun ensures that readers remain distracted and amused, and thus less likely to notice the absence of substantive reporting.

"When we look at the Arab World more closely and listen to Arabs more carefully, we learn that this region and its people are not as they have been imagined by Hollywood or projected by political ideologues with an axe to grind. They can not be reduced to the mythic stereotypes that have so warped our understanding and contributed to distorting our policies. With this realization will come the ability to engage productively with the people of this region which has become so critical to our national interests."

"While weighing options in the stretch drive of a long election year, every progressive individual and group must come to terms with limited time and resources. Clear priorities are essential. Now, on the eve of an election when many candidates will sink under an onslaught from the far right, we should have a national vision -- and concentrate on saving the ones who most truly represent our values."