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American: The Irony of Great Power Politics
by Ned Lazarus
 What if Mearsheimer and Walt were to offer their Machiavellian advice to an Israeli "Prince"? After careers arguing that military power is the ultima ratio of international politics, it is difficult to imagine them risking territorial "strategic depth" to show respect for UN resolutions, international opinion, or the rights of stateless Palestinians. Mearsheimer and Walt have discovered the downsides of domination, for occupied Iraqis and Palestinians in their homes, and American and Israeli soldiers sent away from theirs. One hopes their newfound opposition to occupation will prove as influential as their previous teachings. A rejection of unilateralism in the U.S. and Israel would be a silver lining of "The Israel Lobby." (Ha'aretz)
UC Santa Barbara: Let Middle East Elect Leaders
by Eliezer Sherman
 The definition of a terrorist act is non-governmental violence against innocents and/or government organizations. Hamas would be declaring war if it were to attack or support an attack, and Israel would have just reason to fight back hard and, at this point in time, probably win the battle. The Palestinian cause would lose all foreign support - even more than it has now. (Daily Nexus)
SOAS, London: Slippery Slopes and the War on Terror: Lessons from Israel
by Ron Dudai
 Israeli Justice Rivlin was correct to write that in the complex reality of the struggle against terror, the colors of black and white often do not illustrate the dilemmas; but the conclusion is not to be more flexible regarding human rights, but rather more rigid. Complex times call for clear rules should perhaps be our new refrain, one that can perhaps save many Americans from experiencing their own future troubling realizations. (Jurist, Pitt Law School)
Wayne State: Israel First-Hand
by Ari Drissman
 If you're a Jew reading this, then it's an obligation, in my opinion, to visit Israel at least once in your life. This trip's name, Birthright, is an appropriate one. I hope to see you sign up, and for the holiday of Passover, "Next Year in Jerusalem!" (South End Newspaper)
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Chicago: Confessions of an AIPAC-Trained Liberal Israeli
by Talia Gorodess
 The U.S. and Israel, in spite of justified criticisms about their commitment to democracy in light of their respective foreign and domestic policies, do share one important thing. They support Israel’s right to exist. And until people like Iran’s president cease calling for Israel to be “wiped off the map,” this right cannot be taken for granted. The stir Mearsheimer and Walt caused reminds me of the story of Balaam's donkey from the Bible when God turned the curse into a blessing. By analogy, the myth that Jews rule the world is self-fulfilling as long as the world believes in it: If you shatter it, you have eliminated Israel's influence. From that point of view, Walt and Mearsheimer are doing the Israel lobby a good service. (Chicago Maroon)
George Washington: My Relationship with the Struggle that Is Israel: Beautiful, Dynamic, Challenging
by Elissa Froman
 For me, loving Israel the land, and the people of which I am a part means pursuing positive changes to the current situation. To me, securing a lasting peace means providing everyone living in Israel, Jew and not, with the most basic services. I have been fortunate to spend time in Israel at four different times in my life. Each time, my relationship with the country has changed, developed and matured. My Zionism is no longer blind love. It is now a more mature love, one that cements my dedication to positive evolution for that which I love. (Chicago Jewish Community Online)
Yale: Oren, from Kibbutz to Classroom
by Andrew Mangino
  Although Michael Oren said he remembers facing anti-Semitism when someone wrote, "Are Jews White? Yes, But" on the rowing team locker room wall, he said the academic environment was more conducive to open dialogue and free thought than it is today -- at least in Middle East affairs. "We could be open supporters of Israel in a Middle East studies department, and no one gave us a hard time," he said. "We all took Arabic and had good relations with the Arab teachers. That sanctity has broken down significantly today." (Yale Daily News)
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