The testimonies of individuals illuminate history. Unfortunately, some are forgotten, like Hitler’s Mein Kampf, proposing the elimination of Europe’s Jews. Others are deliberately swept under the carpet, like Richard Perle’s (senior advisor to the Defense Department), A Clean Break: A New Strategy For Preserving The Realm. It proposes the conquest and subjugation of Moslem peoples in Iraq, Iran and Syria by American armies, with no losses –only gains- for Israel. Thus preserving the realm.

The proposal: the goyim, non-Jews –an Old Testament pejorative still much used today- to be cannon fodder, bringing about Israel’s domination –cultural, economic, military- of the Middle East. Oil, of course, to be America’s booby prize. For Israel, and America’s vociferous Israel Lobby –AIPAC, Senator Liberman, and dozens of deceptively named Washington think tanks, the Iraq War has been a great success. One of Israel’s rivals eliminated, Iran close to the tipping point, Syria sooner or later.

Iraq’s ancient culture- its literature and founding writing system our common heritage- destroyed. The artefacts of its civilization, a world inheritance, once carefully preserved, now stolen and haggled over in New York, Hollywood and Tel Aviv showrooms. Nothing new really, read all about Israel’s ‘chosen’ road map in the Old Testament. Canaanites, Assyrians slaughtered, their lands seized then, just recently, 1,500 Lebanese killed, and more Palestinians shot down each week. Now and again an American Christian victim for good measure, witness the brutal murder of Rachel Corrie by Israel’s notorious bulldozer battalions, ancient olive trees and Palestinian children their usual targets.

The next U.S election is less than two years away. Perhaps a new administration will initiate a pro-American foreign policy. But don’t count on it. The Israel Lobby’s moneymen –assorted billionaires, millionaires, even the neighbourhood dentist- are already writing cheques.