[SUBMITTED - The Independent - October 22, 2000]

I write in support of Mr. Robert Fisk's courageous stance towards to Palestinian Crisis, and towards the Palestinians themselves. He is the true journalist who writes of truths and is not afraid to defend those truths-whether or not the "rest of the world" chooses to listen to them. Mr. Fisk deserves the salute of all who believe in true justice and in fairness.

Rachida Tefassed Djebel -- rachida1@email.msn.com -- Baltimore, Maryland -- USA

[SUBMITTED - The Independent - October 21, 2000]

We in the West live in a world where there is enormous pressure to conform to a certain line about the Arab-Israeli conflict. Therefore it is not surprising if, as the Palestinian Media Watch has reported, The Independent is under attack for publishing articles by Robert Fisk. I ask you to resist this pressure. Fisk is under attack because he is truthful, not becaused he is biased. The honor of the Western news media on the topic of the Middle East is so frayed that the firing of Fisk would practically be a death blow. Please be brave.

Bruce Dodds -- brucedodds@mediaone.net -- Newton, MA -- USA

[SUBMITTED - The Independent - October 20, 2000]

Robert Fisk is one of the very few who dare to speak. The reason he does not work for Israel is simple: He does not support genocide. Now that the Palestinians are, once again, dying every day on the hands of the Israeli soldiers, it is only natural that the pro-Israeli movements in Great Britain and elsewhere will do everything to try to silence him. My worry is that the Independent itself might feel under pressure and be the first to do the job. This should never happen.

Here are three main reasons. First, Robert Fisk has the right to speak. After all, he is only telling the truth: Israel's policy is based on violence and torture and this is why the Peace Process will never work.

Second, the rest of the world needs to know the facts. The story that we hear everyday is that the Palestinians are violence lovers and, therefore, deserve to die. Robert Fisk says this is wrong: Palestinians are being tortured in their homeland and it is Israel that has to back off.

Finally, Robert Fisk is good for both Israel and its close ally, the US: (1) if the world has to believe and understand where Adolf Hitler went wrong, Israel's policy of mass murder must change; and (2) if the US is to win against 'international terrorism', the most effective way is to give up its hypocritical foreign policy. The vast majority of Muslims do not support violence, but, unfortunately, there are times when terrorists become loved ones for many.

Dr. Aziz Testas -- testas@canada.com

[SUBMITTED - The Independent - October 19, 2000]

I strongly support Dr. Robert Fisk's articles. Fisk is well-respected in the Academia world and had a good credibility within the media world, without mentioning receiving awards like Amnesty International Overall Media Award, 1998 and British International Journalist of the Year Award (seven times, most recently in 1995 and 1996).

Karim Boughida -- boughida@cyclops.endinfosys.com -- Chicago, USA

[SUBMITTED - The Independent - October 19, 2000]

I am happy to see that the Independent is publishing columns by Robert Fisk. His analysis is refreshingly honest and even handed. By publishing the writings of Mr. Fisk, the Independent has set itself appart from the ocean of hatred and misinformation that one sees in other leading English newspapers. Please keep up the good work.

Jawad Ali -- jawadnali@hotmail.com

[SUBMITTED - The Independent - October 19, 2000]

When it comes to balanced reporting I believe Robert Fisk is doing a great favor to independent journalism. To Mr. Fisk I say, keep up the good work. I hope The Independent will continue to stand by its name.

Thanks.

Dr. Munawar A. Anees -- dranees@compuserve.com

[SUBMITTED - The Independent - October 19, 2000]

I am writing to express my deep appreciation for Robert Fisk, one of the most courageous and fair minded journalists I have ever had the privilege of reading. As the Palestinians continue to endure the inhuman and illegal Israeli occupation, as they continue to fight for their most basic rights, and as Israel continues to train its guns and helicopter gun ships on civilian populations, I thank God that there are people such as Robert Fisk who are willing to speak their conscience. You truly have a national treasure in Robert Fisk and I for one salute you and Robert for the tremendous service you are rendering to truth and justice.

Yours,

Ahmed Bouzid -- pmwatch@zworg.com
Palestine Media Watch
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- USA