Left I on the News

The U.S. position, as stated by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice:

"Let me just say that this crisis, of course, just underscores the need to have all parties, all Palestinian parties [Ed. note: !], work for an end to terrorist activities. We also called on the Palestinian Government and other parties to secure the release of the Israeli soldier. And we are asking Israel to exercise restraint in this circumstance because with restraint perhaps we can get back to a place where there can be hopes again for a peace process.

"This began as a terrorist act but we do recognize that it is important to protect civilians so that they do not suffer as a matter of this current crisis, and it is extremely important that every party act responsibly so that the possibilities for peace will be preserved."

Note, among other things, that word "began" in the second paragraph. "This" did not "begin" with the capture of Cpl. Shalit. Far from it.

And now let's hear from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (full statement here, this is just the concluding paragraph):

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba wishes to express its most vigorous condemnation of the barbaric Israeli military aggression against the Gaza Strip and calls on the international community and peace-loving forces to mobilize in demand of the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip; a cession of Israeli state terrorism; and respect for the inalienable human rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent, sovereign state with its capital in East Jerusalem, the return of refugees, and the unconditional return of all Arab territories occupied in June 1967, as the only way of reaching a just and lasting peace for all the people of that convulsive region.

Is it any wonder that Cuba occupies a special place in American hell?

Just out of curiosity, not because I expect to find anything, I've been searching to see if a single Democrat has spoken out against the Israeli actions. So far, nothing. Not even a "regret" or an "exercise restraint."