I don't want to defend Human Rights Watch but...come on

"I disagree with Robert L. Bernstein on several counts. First, Human Rights Watch has issued dozens of reports and statements on human rights abuses in other countries in the region in the last two or three years, many more than on Israel. Second, the notion that democracies somehow get a free pass on human rights is absurd. Genocides have occurred in democratic societies, and lesser abuses are common; they are no less deplorable. The abuses of war and occupation are particularly troubling given the power imbalances and the lack of redress by the occupied.Mr. Bernstein also repeats accusations about Iran as if this whitewashes Israeli conduct. Plainly, Israel has been abusive and should be held accountable, especially given its dependence on the United States. Crying that the “other guy” is worse is the ploy of a schoolyard bully."