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Source: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/opinion/story/74598.html
The Evils of "Blood Libel"
[McClatchy] Frida Ghitis - When a slanderous article appeared in Sweden's most popular newspaper, Aftonbladet, Israelis felt an ancient, familiar discomfort rising within. Rumors about gory acts of Israelis against Arabs and Muslims swirl in Arab towns. That is where the Swedish "journalist" scooped up his nonstory. Palestinian television frequently reports its own "exclusives," including accusations of giant killer rats released by Israelis to attack Palestinians, monstrous medical experiments, deliberate AIDS infections, Palestinians' eyes burned with red-hot stakes. These accusations, grotesque echoes of medieval blood libels, are more than sloppy journalism. They are destructive for everyone in the region. How can you make peace with people you believe commit such atrocities? Libel helps kill chances for reconciliation.