Palestine Think Tank

This week's site is a very special site. DesertPeace is run by Steve Amsel, (who also happens to be a dear and loyal friend) who is that rare bird known as an Israeli citizen who is doing all he can to redress the balance of lies and falsehood told about what Israel is, who the Palestinians are and especially the lie that the only way to real peace in the Middle East is the separation of Jews from everyone else.

His site includes many of his own editorials, but especially the writing and artwork of others such as Khalid Amayreh, Carlos Latuff, Mohammed Omer and many more. The comments section is generally very stimulating, and his sense of "community" is something that is real, just as is his love and devotion to the cause of freedom for the Palestinians.

The site has a very attractive setup, with very sophisticated yet simple graphics, and it is a site that is updated with great regularity, so it's always very fresh. Steve follows the Israeli and international media, and he is always reporting on the issue of the moment.

As is our habit, we've asked him a few questions.

What is the focus of your website?

To present the facts about the Palestinian people, to expose every crime committed against them by the state of Israel or by zionists abroad.  

What kind of readership do you have in mind when assembling the material? Include information about the frequency of updating, about the sources you use, about the editorial or contributor staff if any.

Basically any open minded person who is hungry for the facts. The western media is slanted towards support of Israel and its genocidal policies. My aim is to present the truth for anyone, anywhere that wants to hear it.  

What are the aspects of your site that are the most representative as well as the strong points of your site?

I try as much as possible to present the views of the Palestinians themselves. One of my Associates is a brilliant journalist living in the Occupied West Bank, Khalid Amayreh. I also have contact with journalists in Gaza, Mohammed Omer, Sameh Habeeb and Ayman Quader. I publish their works to help give them as much exposure as possible.

Do you encourage discussion on your site in the form of comments and if so, what can you say about the commenting on your site?

zionists and anti Semites are not permitted to post in my comments section. I feel that they have their own sites to discuss their negative positions…. mine is not one of them. It seems I have a regular readership as the commenters often join in discussions among themselves. They are basically positive and supportive of my site.   

What are some of the posts that are the most important/memorable to you?

There have been close to 4,000 posts since DesertPeace started. All that I classify as DesertPeace Editorials or Exclusive are the most important to me.

If you could describe your site in one or two sentences, how would you do that?

DesertPeace has always prided itself in its honesty and integrity. Living in a world so full of lies, and especially living in the country (Israel) that spreads those lies, it is most important that I continue in the path I have chosen, to counter those lies with the truth.

Has your site ever had difficulties or been involved in any controversies that you would care to mention?

DesertPeace started out on Blogspot. It seems that Google, which owns that site, cannot bear to have the truth about Israel presented there. After many attempts to ban me, I finally left and set up my Blog on Wordpress, a much friendlier neighbourhood. Anti zionism is apparently seen as controversy to many. Those people also do not distinguish between anti zionism and anti Semitism… THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!

Is there anything you might like to add to the readers of Palestine Think Tank?

Palestine Think Tank is one of the most important sites on the Web. I can not even think of where to begin to thank its founders. Its readership is damn lucky to have such a forum at their fingertips. Kudos to all of you! http://desertpeace.wordpress.com