A few points on the conference in Istanbul and disappointingly coverage by Ms. Novikova. The status of Palestine has not been settled, yet Israel was formed in 1948! Ms. Novikova's term " the Jewish State " overlooks the Jewish, Muslim and Christian mix in Israel. Was she coached by Prime Minister Putin before the report, which he sounded more neutral than her report? Please also note that the so-called Jewish state is located between two continents that have significant Islamic populations. Even the Pope has said Christians are being mistreated by the Muslims, and that the world community is ignoring the problem. Back to the main point: Israel's response to the humanitarian ships was rather extreme, to say the least. I believe that the 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza need help. All religions, Jews, Muslims and Christians need to co-exist in the world ( especially in the Middle East, their common homeland ) Last, would you trust an Iran, that has proposed destroying Israel, to lead a convoy of ships? They can not even be open and honest with the world or Islamic neighbours about their nuclear programme.

Three quick additional points: 1. Israel is a fairly stable democracy that respects and tolerates three major religions. Many neighbouring Arab nations have autocratic governments or instability (that borders on civil war ). 2. Ms. Novikova also called Russia the major partner in the Middle East peace plan. Nataliya- have you forgotten France, Great Britain and the United States? Have you read any news from the US media, such as Obama's policies? 3. Islam is a somewhat divided religion, with some extremist groups ( Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, and the Islamic Conference ) that seek to turn the world into a theocratic society ( their religion ). They will do it by kindness or revolution. The violence in Dagestan and Chechnya should be a wake-up call.

The Arab peoples of the area have many options and truly vast areas of land in which to live, while Israel is tiny and only acts to defend itself. Israeli people are the genuine victims in this sadness of continual and pointless violence of rocket attacks on Israeli towns from across the borders- although all sides would like to make themselves out to be victims. One day the Arabs will see what a wonderful opportunity friendship with Israel would provide for them as Israel wishes to live in peace with its neighbours. No one wins an argument!