Thomas Friedman all of a sudden has become the “spokesman” on globalization and the “expert” on Islam and the Arabs. How pathetic! With doubtful credentials about his experience in Lebanon, he has built a base of expertise on the Middle East. With a book titled “The Lexus and the Olive Tree” he raised the banner of globalization based on unattainable goals and shady values. It is only when he talks about Islam and Israel that the “true” Friedman comes out. Covering the “truth”, twisting the “facts”: These are ways to justify an ugly Zionist argument that actually has no place in “his” proposed global village.
Friedman, may I address you directly, and not through your president or your secretary of state? I would like you to look inward, to address your problems and your issues. We have loads of problems in the Middle East; political, economic and social. I will never dare deny that: but for you to come and preach to us well.... that’s like sending Milosevic to lecture about human rights. Jesus Christ said in the book of John 8:7 “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone”.
My advice to you, look at yourself, look around your Talmudic school system in places like Brooklyn which teaches and advocates hate-based values producing schmucks and terrorists like Goldstein and Kahane. Oy vay Mr. Friedman, what an ugly message you are trying to sell, but believe me not a drop of credibility will be associated with it until you show a balanced argument and look inward producing a balanced message... only then will you have chutzpah! Don’t try to convince your readers that Israeli blood is holy and Arab blood is well.. kosher.
This argument cannot be acceptable no matter how convincing a message you put with it. The whole spiel Mr. Friedman is that your version of Shalom is different than ours. We believe in rights for Palestinians that you fail to accept or even realize.
Until that happens write as much as you want on any subject you want. If you want to continue writing about Islam and Arabs you’re free to do so, but don’t expect it to be convincing or credible (may I suggest you begin some essays on North Korea and anti-Semitism.... that might keep you busy for a while!) Until you become a mellow, objective and most importantly a morally- based writer, on a noble subject such as peace, maybe then we can read you again.... till then mazeltov Mr. Friedman.
— The writer is a Saudi businessman based in Jeddah