i will accept comparisons between the ira and the plo, but not between the ira and isis. the former has some vague value in the form of case studies; the latter is offensively stupid.

but, you'll notice that i'm broadly sympathetic towards the idea that the palestinian people deserve basic rights, even if i think they make a lot of bad tactical choices in trying to figure out how to get them. like the broader syrian people, the mass of palestinians are secular and want secular governance. i don't have any problem separating these things from each other. but, that's just the point i'm making.