Roots of the Problem

Roots of the Problem

I am writing this letter in response to Mr. Jaffe's article in the last issue of The Scientist.¹ I recognize the difficulty of conducting science under conditions such as those that exist in the West Bank, and I salute Dr. Kanaan for his endurance and achievements, surely not an easy task. However, I find the article to be extremely biased in its reporting.

Yes, Dr. Kanaan must endure lengthy checkpoints on his way to work, but Mr. Jaffe never questions the reason for this inconvenience. Has Israel brought about the Intifada upon the Palestinians? It was always my impression that global politics should not be part of articles in The Scientist. If it must be dealt with, the least one can expect is unbiased tackling of the issues.

Mr. Jaffe's article carries a subliminal message that fault resides only with the Israelis, and...