Not the villain

Dan Simpson's May 12 column ("Can the Mideast Be Nuke-Free?") regarding nuclear nonproliferation in the Middle East is yet another attempt to blame Israel for the unrest in the region.

If Israel does possess nuclear weapons, they are for the prime purpose of deterrence. We have them and so do other democratic nations! The United States will not use them unless it is absolutely necessary, but they give us security. The same is true for Israel!

Israel is not a rogue nation, unlike most of the Arab countries surrounding her.

What is Mr. Simpson's problem with Israel? Why does he continue to fan the flames of anti-semitism? (Yes, anti-semitism.) Mr. Simpson has been reminded time and time again that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, yet he writes about her as if she is not.

As soon as Israel's neighbors stop teaching hate to their children, work to create a viable infrastructure within their own borders, eliminate terrorism and show a willingness to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, peace can be achieved.

Israel is not the villain. Why doesn't Mr. Simpson get this?

STEVE HOFFMAN
Squirrel Hill