Why does everyone think we need to understand hundreds of years worth of political history to try and solve the problem. We don't, and neither do the Israeli's or Palestinians(sp?), live a hundred years ago - or forty years ago - or in the 60's, 70's, etc. We, and they, live NOW. Moving on from here is what is important!
Most of the people living in that area NOW probably know as little as we do about the complex historical circumstances that brought us to where we are today.
For example, I'm a construction Project Manager. I've inherited large construction projects that were cluster-F#$%'s, either because the prior PM got fired or quit. I didn't, and couldn't, waste my time on researching and ascertaining how the project got so messed up. I had to focus on correcting the problems as they currently stood, and making the decisions necessary to turn the job around and finish it on-time and on-budget. In short, a successful resolution of a problem does not necessarily involve a complete and expansive knowledge of what led up to the problem.
Another thought: Irregardless of what led up to the problems, or who was short-changed by whom, THERE IS NEVER ANY EXCUSE FOR THE WILLFUL KILLING OF INNOCENT CIVILIANS. I have not read or seen any evidence to show that the Israeli's intentionally target or intend to harm civilians. Their targets are terrorist sites or individuals. Any Palestenian casualties are basically "collateral" damage, or unintended victims. However, it is the terrorist's stated goal to murder as many innocent civilians as is possible - that's the definition of terrorism. Kill innocents to instill terror in your enemy, hoping this will cause them to change whatever it is the terrorist doesn't like. So I have nothing but praise for their targeting of, and elimination of, the leader of HAMAS. Civilized human society can no longer tolerate these backward, vicious killers.
Brandon Bartlett