Regarding the March 10 editorial, "Durban II in danger": When I lived in Japan in 1984-1985, a popular foreign title was the fabricated conspiracy theory "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion." So it is heartening to read an editorial on the critical issues that are already undermining the second Durban conference. A colleague, who participated in the 2001 gathering, described her horrifying experience at a forum that became an attack on Israel and the United States.
Even worse than the official conference was the NGO Forum, where many participants openly expressed hatred toward Israel and Jews, and sought to use intimidation tactics against Jewish groups. She and her colleagues were surrounded by crowds screaming at them as they walked around. They were shouted down during forums, unable to express their opinions, and intimidated to the point where they had to have bodyguards because they feared walking alone.
Durban II, instead of attempting to prevent a repeat of 2001, looks like more of the same, in no way representing the ideals of the United Nations and an international community looking for reasoned, respectful dialogue.