If Mr. Cimet, who wrote "Nations receiving weapons may face violent neighbors" (Aug. 5), wants to talk about facts, then we will. In Israel's five major wars, three were preemptive attacks by Israel, making it the most belligerent state in the region. Compare that to Iran, which hasn't attacked a nation in over 250 years. The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, B'tselem, reports that since 2000, 123 Israeli minors have been killed by Palestinians compared to 951 Palestinian minors killed by Israelis occupation forces. That is a ratio of over one to seven. The Palestinian struggle is for national liberation against Israeli colonialism, apartheid and military occupation. Mr. Cimet goes on to talk about some ragtag armed groups that threaten Israel. Even though these groups may say such things in theory, Israel does it in practice. Israel is the only country to wipe another (Palestine) off the map. Look at the historical maps and see for yourself. Until Israel stands up, apologizes, acknowledges the atrocities it has committed in its 60 year history and states a true desire to move on, the world will witness another 60 years of this. Let's hope these are the last 60 years.

Rasheed Amir

senior-mechanical engineering