Chomsky presents well reasoned arguments, altho conservatives usually beg to differ. His perspective is worthwhile and educated.
I don't know what to make of the Palestinian birthrate and population growth rate, and it's potential, overall impact on Israel's demographics.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews also have very high birthrates. I think the article you posted said the "average" Palestinian woman gives birth to 6 children. I would imagine the birthrate of ultra-Orthodox women in Israel is similar. As for Jewish immigration to Israel, I would also assume that most immigrants are very religious, especially now. Infant mortality is also a factor, and due to poverty, etc, mortality is probably higher among Palestinian infants.
The high birthrate among Israel's ultra-Orthodox is a concern to the mainstream and the State because many choose welfare and yeshiva rather than employment. It becomes a matter of Israel's ability to support that population.
Regardless, birthrate obviously impacts population demographics. But I don't know what the overall situation is in Israel. We may be seeing population growth in extremists on both sides of the conflict, with secular (usually more moderate) Jews having alot fewer children.
I heard there's some interesting things going on with population growth in Italy too. As I understand it, Italian women are rejecting more traditional roles and having far fewer children. I don't think their birthrate is even replacing population in Italy.
It's interesting...
