Examinator- very good observation- I never thought of the implications of Israel trying to hamper the relationship between the Western and Arabian business worlds (it would definitely be in their interests to try to separate the largely Israel-hostile Arab world from western cash).

Why no USA passports- should be obvious- they simply cannot afford to anger the USA at all- if the USA pulling the plug on its financial support for Israel would be too scary to imagine- regardless of how likely the USA would lose from leaving them out to dry. Other western countries (most of which critical of Israel (most of Europe) or simply offer nothing useful beyond moral support (us)) are a different story.

Ultimately, I think it may be a case of Israel using passports by countries it doesn't care to offend, to stage an assassination in another country it doesn't care to offend.

Dear Graham,

In an earlier thread on this topic I asked “how Mahmoud Abdel Rauf al-Mabhouh can be regarded as being a terrorist because of his involvement in the kidnapping and deaths of two Israeli soldiers in 1989 (where he disguised himself as an orthodox Jew) while the actions of the Mossad agents are seen as somehow justified?”

To further the point look at Ariel Sharon;

“The Qibya Massacre occurred in October 1953 when Israeli troops under Ariel Sharon attacked the West Bank village. Sixty-nine Arabs were killed, many while hiding in houses blown up over their heads. Forty-five houses, a school, and a mosque were destroyed.” Wikipedia

Add to that his implication in the Sabra and Shatila massacres and the question must be asked was he a legitimate target for a Palestinian hit squad?

I am more than happy to put the deeds of Mahmoud Abdel Rauf al-Mabhouh on trial but to be called a terrorist deserving of death for being involved in the killing of two Israeli soldiers surely must allow the same punishment to be justifiably dealt to Sharon.

Naturally if one was an Israeli one might see things differently but justice is depicted as blindfolded and as Australians, outside of Palestine or Israel, why are we having difficulty in seeing this for what it is.

With regard to the drone attacks I explored this in http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=2633&page=1

I am probably feeling even stronger about the issue now. If the allies need to resort to this sort of warfare it is time to leave. It has caused so much misery and reprisals in Pakistan that we need someone with moral authority to say enough is enough.

Sorry no intent to be rude, but I can see the kick a Jew boots are on.
Bali, 9/11/ attempts to murder airline passengers, the list is long and growing.
And the blindness that tells some only Israel offends sickens me.
Iran a country based on pure hate, gets not a mention, yet many think its first Nuclear bomb will find a home in Israel, a dreadful final home.
War is not pleasant, not fun, but to ask one side to play by the rules and not care much about the other is blindness.
Mossad if it did this is no better or worse than others who plan such murders daily in such luxurious places.

Has it occurred to anyone commenting here on this topic that these assassinations that are supposed to stop terrorism,are a result of the West taking of energy/resources that are not theirs?

The Arab world has a lot to be angry about.While their regiemes are often just as totalitariarn as China,it does not give us the right to take what is not ours.

We all getting involved into discussion about whether capital punishment may or may not be human where decided by the court. That it where someone is charged and usual "beyond reasonable doubt". Why would someone introduce assassination as a tool of anything? That is crime in any case. That how it always must be treated. Any political links should be cut and all other explanation taken out so not to confuse anyone and not to bring fame to the criminals. Assassination is crime - that is how should be treated any single or mass assassination.
Double standards would fight back very soon. double standards here is as clear as a demonstration of anti-fur campaigners with steak in their stomachs.

Antony Loewenstein asks:

" Why do we constantly hear about Israel's
need for "security," as though that justifies
erecting walls, checkpoints and barriers?
Why is the world told to believe that the
Palestinians should only accept peace on Israel's
terms?"

I support the right of Israelis to live in peace and
security, but not at the expense of the Palestinians.
Assassination is not the answer. The killings are not
effective in reducing anything. International Law
prohibits assassinations in times of peace and in times
of war - and it's time Israel was stopped from acting
above the Law - yet demanding that others play by the
rules - and screaming for justice when others retaliate.

You can't expect justice - when you yourself don't comply.

Ariel Sharon made it quite clear when he said:

"Sometimes we will announce what we did,
sometimes we will not announce what we did.
We don't always have to announce!"

Those who dared criticise Zionist wrongdoing in
the past, and who dare criticise Israeli policies
and actions in the present,
should not be deterred by false
allegations of antisemitism.