To readers I would highly recommend Norman Finkelstein’s new book, ‘This time we went too far’. It is the most systematic and thorough dismantling of the hasbara edifice erected by Israel and its apologists (including Morris). On paper, Morris is a fine historian, but in his media appearances he always dons the hat of the propagandist. In this debate from Russia Today’s CrossTalk, Benny Morris comes across as defensive and boorish. He uses the familar tools of the propagandist, derision and ridicule, to evade serious questions. Every one of his claims about Gaza — that Hamas used human shields, and that its leadership took sanctuary in basements of hospitals — is rebutted by extensive research carried out by the Goldstone Commission, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. (via MondoWeiss)
On this edition of Peter Lavelle’s CrossTalk, he asks his guests whether the current “indirect talks” between the Israelis and Palestinians are a waste of time.
P U L S E 
Poor moderator!
The moderator said “we didn’t accomplish very much here”, but he failed to note the discussion’s most noteworthy accomplishment: conclusive proof that Benny Morris is a dribbling, half-witted Israeli war crimes apologist.
I think it is impossible to moderate such a discussion. Opponents will never both agree or listen to each other. According to other programmes, where usually takes part 4 persons Peter Lavelle is not so bad.