I would like to respond to Mohd Rafiz's Western Muslim paranoia needs introspection . I notice you're the writer's long list of news media lacked one particular name Al Jazeraa.

I have yet so see a single piece of news in Al Jazeraa that condemns the atrocities of the so-called terrorists.

The fact as it is now stands is that Israel is a sovereign state fully recognised by the United Nations just as Sabah is recognised as part of Malaysia and not the Philippines. Working on this premise, I think the Oslo Accord was a positive step in the right direction for lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

But just when we thought that peace was at hand, Yasser Arafat demanded that the agreement also include Jerusalem as part of the deal. If you know Jewish history, you will know that this demand was nigh on impossible.

It was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back and along with it, the peace accord.

As a Malaysian, I do not condone the violence be it by Israelis or the Palestinians. It does no one any good. The vicious cycle of violence must be broken sooner the better. We just can't stand around folding our arms and taking sides while lives are lost daily.

Something must be done to stop the warring sides. I must admit that the US is not doing a very good job of handling this situation. On the other hand, we have the al-Qaeda and their ilk advocating a holy jihad on behalf of the Palestinians.

Their intention is certainly is noble but unfortunately it (their actions) has had a damaging effect on the Palestinians' cause instead of helping it.

The correct way is to bring both factions to the negotiating table for talks. The Organisation of Islamic Conference must make sure that the Palestinians will abide with any agreement reached and likewise, the US must ensure the same of Israel. This is the only way to avoid further bloodshed.

Somehow, as Malaysians, we tend to take sides and this certainly does not help in saving lives. The local media has a big role to play to help dispel the 'them against us' mentality.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad's fiery speech at the OIC summit last year is certainly not helping the Palestinian cause. Has the OIC lifted a finger to help the Palestinians? No. Talk only but no action.

In conclusion, sometime we need to wield the rod against our loved ones in order to save them. Cheering them on with hot rhetoric and loud campaigns will only create a false sense of bravado and more dead.