The new Indiana Jones movie is providing the media with an opportunity to discuss archaeology. Byron McCane of Wofford College has the floor in an article about what archaeology is really about:

Neil Asher Silberman complains that Indiana Jones misrepresents archaeology. He says the movies are filled with exaggerations and inaccuracies, and that archaeologists are scientists and not adventurers in fedoras.

According to the Associated Press, “something about Israel brings out the tourist in President Bush.”

Another defense of Israel is at World Jewish Digest with Barry Rubin’s “Israel is Strong - Really.”  He claims  Jewish negative views of Israel are part of a Diaspora mentality, and that Israel is in fact strong militarily, socially and economically.

In honor of Israel Independence Day this Thursday, bloggers have been motivated to defend their support of Israel and Zionism. Edward Beaman writes about why he supports Israel, although he is not Jewish, Israeli, or an Evangelical Christian.  According to him, support for Israel equals support for Western values and opposition to Islamic extremism.