This column's going to be a little different, a little less formal than usual. I have two things I want to talk about, both of which are timely, but neither of which warrants a column of its own. So, I'm just going to write about them both, and if it disturbs you, pretend it's two different columns.

The Middle East - same old, same old

I've been wavering back and forth on the conflict in the Middle East longer than I can admit to most of my decidedly pro-Israel friends. I have, after all, extreme sympathy for both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples, and am generally suspicious of any issue that warrants a consensus in this country.

In fact, I have such mixed feelings about the topic that I'm not going to try to place blame. There's too much history involved in the conflict to try to reduce it to a matter of fault. Instead, this is what I'm offering: an observation. It is one that many people have made, but I didn't fully understand until recent events illuminated it.

There were two major Palestinian attacks this weekend, which were followed by the obligatory Israeli response. First, on the Sabbath, a suicide bomber killed nine, including six children. Then, 12 hours later, a Palestinian sniper shot dead seven Israeli soldiers and three civilians. In retaliation, the Israeli military razed a security compound, killing four.

The difference between these two attacks has been parroted every time the issue comes up, but I have to say it again: one action is proactive while the other is reactionary; one targets civilians while the other targets violent elements in the opposition's camp.

So what do we draw from this? It is for the most part the Palestinians, or at least those who speak for them with violent deeds, who pose the greatest threat to the peace process. It seems, given the evidence at hand, that if the Israeli army were to lay down its arms and refuse to fight, the suicide bombings and other Palestinian attacks would not cease, and more Israeli civilians would die. However, if the Palestinians were to agree to live peaceably with their neighbors, for all Sharon's belligerent rhetoric, the Israelis would abide.

I know that such a situation may not be possible for many reasons, among them the fact that the death toll since September 2000 favors the Palestinians 4-to-1 and Hamas's often-stated belief that peace is tantamount to defeat. However, my opinion is this: Whatever the reason that the conflict started, and whatever the reason the Palestinians continue to participate, Israel is now fighting out of necessity. If the peace process is going to be fruitful, it must begin with the Palestinians.

Punk Rock Girl

The second topic isn't so much a persuasive piece as it is a plug, and it's a little more anecdotal in its nature. You'll have to forgive me for being so unprofessional.

I went to an amazing concert last Thursday, and any of you familiar with the artist, Ani DiFranco, will understand why it was so good. She is an astonishingly talented musician, and one of the few with something truly valuable to say. Her sound is a fierce blend of rock and jazz, but she describes herself as a folk singer because of the political emphasis of her songs.

She is, furthermore, a truly remarkable person. She taught herself guitar and began singing in bars at the age of 9 as a means of escaping her tumultuous family life. At 15, she moved from Buffalo to New York City on her own and earned a living. When she was 18, she founded her own record company, Righteous Babe Records, and by 21 had established a career profitable enough to allow her to tour full time. In the last 11 years, she has recorded, produced and promoted 15 albums without the support of a major label.

She's done it all in an effort to maintain her legitimacy and objectivity as an artist, something that is rare and admirable in this age of homogenized pop. As the name of her record label suggests, she is ferociously independent, outspoken, and, well, female. You'll have to listen to understand that last one.

I could write a whole column on Ani, but I have a feeling few would read it. Therefore, I'll just end with this plea: Download some of her music. Give it a chance. At the very least, it offers an alternative to the corporatized model of production that pervades the music industry.

So to sum up, Palestine and Ani: rah, rah, rah.