Is Sam Harris becoming a pariah for the anti-religious cause?

[Mudhammam]

I have no problem with Harris' arguments.

I also think you mischaracterize the role of Hamas in Gaza. Hamas is not interested in the liberty and well being of the Palestinians there, they are interested in power. Israel has committed to relieving import restrictions, but rightly asks for the internationally supervised demilitarization of Gaza. I think many people forget why the border crossings are closed and a blockade was put into effect to begin with.

I also don't understand the reflexive demand in certain circles that Israel do nothing as Hamas continues to lob rockets into Israel. Hamas knew that Israeli retaliation would result in civilian casualties; they counted on them for political support. What does this say about Hamas' commitment to the Palestinian people?

Name one government that isn't interested in power; that Hamas doesn't care about the Palestinian people is of course a claim Israel's supporters like to make, though without any basis. The Palestinians elected them to govern so unless that was largely fraudulent, and I have seen no evidence or argument to suggest as much, it would seem that they must be doing something right.

The rest of your arguments are asinine. Israel has devastated the region through occupations, blockades, and military operations for 45 years. It's understandable why the oppressed might react and lash out at the oppressor. After all, the result of those policies I mentioned have created one of the poorest peoples in the world, and then every few years Israel goes and shits on them some more. Of course, blaming the victim is nothing new and is a common tactic of Israeli propagandists.

And no one suggested Israel should do nothing. They should seek to rectify the problems they have created through peaceful negotiations rather than exacerbate them by senselessly murdering thousands and demolishing entire neighborhoods.

Israel started this mess after the three Jewish teenagers were tragically murdered. Now they're exercising collective punishment and their apologists make me sick.