Perhaps you’ve noticed, but what with all the spring cleaning, Obama’s 24/7 whirlwind and Pesach, it may have escaped your attention: Our world is upside-down.
In the context of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, the term “hard-liner” is used to refer to a person who opposed the idea of an independent Palestinian state. There were such people in Israel, in numbers that dwindled over the years. Ask them how they saw the future, and they’d wax eloquent about Israel’s right to the whole of the land, or about Palestinian perfidy or, even more commonly, they’d shrug their shoulders and say, “Who can tell how the situation will change in the years ahead? Why tie ourselves into knots? The status quo is not so bad.”
As against this, the two-state crowd said and sometimes shouted that time was not on Israel’s side, that the world was growing weary of this futile conflict, that muddling through was inadequate and, frankly, inappropriate for an allegedly sophisticated and enlightened state. More: The “benign” status quo was actually corrupting the consensual values that once characterized that state.
But by now, after two messy and inconclusive wars, one with Hezbollah in the north and the other with Hamas in the south, in the thick of growing impatience with a conflict that seems permanently stuck, there’s more and more talk of a “one-state solution,” a state that would reach from the Mediterranean to the Jordan and would (somehow) guarantee the rights and perhaps even a degree of autonomy for its component minorities (i.e., the Jews). Those who cling to the two-state idea — that is, those who believe that a Jewish state is both desirable and possible alongside a new Palestinian state — increasingly resemble, and feel like, a balloon with a slow but accelerating leak. They have become today’s hard-liners, hewing to Zionist axioms that once felt bold, evoked fervor, but now seem increasingly quaint, forlorn.
It took an unconscionably long time for the Palestine Liberation Organization to accept the idea of a two-state solution. Yet today, its most ardent advocate is Mahmoud Abbas, still president of the Palestinian Authority. And the Saudis are not far behind. In the meantime, Israel has a prime minister who is steadfast in his distaste for the two-state idea. The world has turned upside-down.
Fortunately, President Obama is apparently quite serious in his commitment to the two-state solution, even if that means provoking a real divide between Jerusalem and Washington. The Obama people have begun a quiet campaign with congressional leadership to prepare for what might be called “a confrontation,” but which in truth is no more than an insistent call on Israel to honor commitments it has long since formally accepted. This follows Obama’s March 24 press conference in which he said, bluntly, “the status quo is unsustainable.” Israeli officials, nervous and incredulous, try to paper over the impending tension, claiming that the differences between the two governments are, as one Cabinet minister put it, essentially “semantics.” (If that is so, count me as anti-semantic.)
So we approach a moment of truth for pro-Israel American Jews: Accept the sterile Netanyahu perspective, all foam and no beer, or stand firm, with Obama, against the status quo and for a two-state solution, which is to say, for a Jewish state.
Let there be no mistake: A one-state solution with Jews in control and the Palestinian majority offered less than full rights of citizenship is morally and politically bankrupt. It is an invitation to continuing violence. A one-state solution with the Palestinian majority in control means an end to the Zionist enterprise, to the Jewish state. But: A two-state solution is not an option that will always be available. Unfolding facts on the ground — growing Palestinian resentment, growing Israeli settlement — are already subverting its prospect.
In Khartoum in 1967, the Arab world famously issued its “three no’s”: No to peace with Israel, no to recognition of Israel and no to negotiations with Israel. First Egypt, then Jordan rescinded that doctrine. Now the Saudis and the Syrians are willing, even eager, to negotiate, as are significant elements among the Palestinians. And the Israelis? By turning toward Benjamin Netanyahu and Avigdor Lieberman, they turn away from the serious pursuit of peace, hence away from an enduring Jewish state.
There are times when what seems to be mere irony is in fact tragedy.
this: "So we approach a moment of truth for pro-Israel American Jews: Accept the sterile Netanyahu perspective..."
ignores Bibi participation in the Oslo Accords which although flawed serve as the frame work for peace.
perhaps a reading of: "Netanyahu as Prime Minister - Déjà Vu?" by Daniel Pipes would serve as a corrective to your prejudices presentation
Huh? Netanyahu opposed the Oslo Accords. And Pipes' essay is quite explicit in warning that Netanyahu is anything but a man of principle. That is an endorsement?
Israel is inviting the wrath of the Lord by trying to divide the Land. Israel and all of the nations will SOON find out just how mighty He is.
Rick, how do you know about the wrath of God? Do you speak with God directly? Or you use second-hand information? When did you last converse with Him? Do your neighbors know about your conversations with God? What do they say? Is it really God? Do you have some ways to prove it? Is God preoccupied solely with the Eastern Mediterranean coast and the demarcation of its administrative partition, or He has some other themes to contemplate?
Rick, how do you know about the wrath of God? Do you speak with God directly? Or you use second-hand information? When did you last converse with Him? Do your neighbors know about your conversations with God? What do they say? Is it really God? Do you have some ways to prove it? Is God preoccupied solely with the Eastern Mediterranean coast and the demarcation of its administrative partition, or He has some other themes to contemplate?
Mr Fein - You are absolutely right when you comment that Netanyahu opposed the Oslo Agreement. Indeed, his opposition to Oslo was the political tool that brought him to power in 1996. However, once in power, he signed agreements with Arafat within the framework of the Oslo process (Wye Plantation, the arrangements in Hebron). In his second term as PM, it is really hard to imagine that he is going to behave any differently. However, I would like to bring to you attention, Mr Fein, that Abu Mazen's acceptance of the two-state solution which so impresses you ("its most ardent advocate is Mahmoud Abbas") has an element of a misunderstanding. The UN Partition Plan of 1947 presented a political solution based on two states: a Jewish state and an Arab state. The present day Palestinian understanding of the two-state solution is not a continuation of the spirit of the 1947 idea (which the Palestinians rejected then and still reject today). The two states in Abu-Mazen's view include the (Arab) Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza (in which there will be no Jewish population) - and another state. This other state will absorb the descendants of the 1948 Palestinian refugees, and it will not be defined as Jewish. The Palestinians, the extremists and the moderates, do not recognize the Jews as a collective or a national identity entitled to self-determination (i.e. national independence) - only as individuals or as a religious community. I heard on the news today that Netanyahu is demanding that the Palestinians recognize Israel as "the state of the Jewish people" - before continuing on to a two-state solution. I imagine that such a demand will be viewed by many thinking people as a kind of unnecessary obstacle in an already difficult negotiation process. But, actually, he has raised an issue that is the very heart of the conflict - the legitimacy of the Hebrew community that founded the State of Israel. Note that the Palestinian reaction is a flat "no". They are willing to recognize "Israel", but not to recognize "Israel as the Jewish state" (the national home of the Jewish people). The Palestinian supporters of the two-state solution are not accepting the Partition Plan concept of "a Jewish state and an Arab state". They want a two-state agreement without recognizing the legitimacy of Zionism, and therefore without bringing the conflict to its end. The only national legitimacy in their eyes is the Palestinian narrative. Mr Fein - There is also room in your analysis for a critical view of the Palestinians. They have their own "codes" and "symbols" that have central significance. Israel, whose codes and symbols you do understand, is only one half of the ongoing conflict.
Mr. Fein, when's the last time you saw the misearable squalor in which live Palestinians or the way in which Israelis sweep away their few posessions with made in USA bulldozers in order the clear the land for empty "settlements" for olims who never come? Israelis look at Palestinian settlements and call it clearing the garbage as US tax dollars replace it with fancy condos that no one buys, even at the almost free subsidy that is squeezed out of US taxpayers. No Palestinian leader can permit himself not to pay homage to the hate for the squallor that the 80% youth Palestinians hate so much that they are willing to die avenging. Stop looking at past politics, for in that area neither the Jews nor the Arabs have been anything but ganovs, each stealing a little something from the murky future of the children of both sides of the Semitic family, stealing foreign guilt-gelt aswaging politically driven injury to both. Netanyahu wants poitical issues to be debated only by people representing citizens with a future, with something treasured to lose in case of war. Jews that feel safe won't feel hate, they'll feel compassion. Arabs that have a home, secuirty and see a future for their children, will feel agreeable and affectionate towards any TEACHERS, be they those who teach calculus to their boys or medicine to their daughters. All the Arabs want is respect and all the Jews want is an end to fear. Integrated economic growth will give that to both...even before any political settlement. Now that Netanyahu is in power, he has a pledge to his brother that sacrificed so much for a secure Jewish state to fulfill. This he hopes to do ECONIMICALLY so that both sides have much to lose in their own land and in the integrated relationship. Under such circumstances words are thought through before they are spit out...actions are restrained and thinking is dominant. Such people become incredibly reasonable negotiators. As econimic success brings ever closer a political success later. The trick is to make all the Jews and Arabs owners of enough so as to have something to lose from rage and hate. Focus on that Netanyahu principle. But to do so you have to realize that PALESTINIANS ARE HUMAN BEINGS, JUST AS GOOD AND ABLE HUMAN BEINGS, JUST AS CHOSEN BY GOD AS YOU. If you get that and look to the NEW way, not kvetch about the OLD ways, you will find atonement easy and affection even easier for your long lost cousins. The past was error, but only prologue to now. Give eachother courage to build a new world upon the wreck that greed as wrought. and God will reward you with a New Israel in th bussom of its Semitic family, safe, prosperous and able to exercize the Jewish Ethic that held your people together for so long instead of the doom-and-gloom psychotic East Euro self-defense urge to genocide that has so characterized the frustration when hollow diplomacy utterly failed.
Well, i might be an external here. But as far as i know, and experienced with Israel's short history, they will never go to peace or two state solution, unless there is a huge pressure or a strong reason for that. This reason, might be a war that they will be very close to get defeated, or a world pressure that might be welling to balance between morals and other reasons to support Israel unconditionally (i don't know this reasons). Under all the circumstances, i think the stubborn highly arrogant, more usual, attitude of Israel means two things for me, more suffering for the Palestinians, and more time for the Arab world to wake up from its deep sleep and figure out a real way to get out of this.
Two questions. Rory: who said that you are external here? Why do you feel so? DE Tedooru: what makes you sure that "God will reward you with a New Israel in the bosom of its Semitic family, safe, prosperous and able to exercise the Jewish Ethic that held your people together for so long instead of the doom-and-gloom psychotic East Euro self-defense urge to genocide" -? History might very well whisper us that may be the Jewish Ethics where only a distant tender wind for the day-to-day lives of the Jews, and bothered mainly a handful of poets and philosophers (perhaps mainly among non-Jews), but the ugly doom-and-gloom defensive psychosis was indeed a force that held (ever-diminishing) Jews together… maybe THAT's the problem.
Continuing Yehuda's point, Sa'eb Erikat (speaking for the Palestinian Authority last night) has presented a document from the American government of May 1948. In this document, the US recognizes de-facto the government of the "Jewish state". This document was prepared before the ceremony of the declaration of independence. Once the state was declared (and its name was known), the words "Jewish state" were crossed out and replaced by the words "the State of Israel". According to today's Palestinian interpretation, the crossing out of "Jewish state" means that the US governement did not recognize Jewish statehood; rather, they only recognized the State of Israel. Obviously, the Americans did recognize the "Jewish state" since this was the intention of the UN Partition Plan from November 29,1947. But why is this an issue now? Why is a "Jewish state" problematic from the Palestinian point of view?
The answer is that the "two-state solution" envisaged by those Palestinians who speak in favor of such a solution is not the same "two-state solution" that Israel (and the Forward) would accept. It is not a Jewish state and an Arab state in the country. It is a "state of all its citizens" and an Arab (Palestinian) state. At stake is the outcome of the refugee question. The Arab side wishes that all those defined as refugees be brought to Israel - which would then no longer be a "Jewish state". The Israeli side insists on its right to preserve the character of its society as a Jewish majority communtiy. The conflict is not on the verge of a solution.
Palestine is indivisible. The only solution is when Jews leave Palestine to a place where they have more of a legitimate claim, like Las Vegas, which was founded by Bugsy Siegel, one of your prophets. If you had claimed Peru, Pakistan, or Palau, there would be resistance as well, and you would call it terrorism. The world is tired of your Madoff like schemes to occupy Palestine and has acted with remarkable forebearance, which you have now exhausted. Dont be surprised by a rise in "antisemitims"
What is the point of your sweeping arrogant reprimands, on behalf of the whole world, Raed Kami? This kind of metaphysical ordering to a whole nation to get itself expelled projects offence for offence's sake, without any constructive effect. No suffering Palestinian will gain from this. Yes, Palestine is indivisible, like Patagonia is indivisible, and the Moon is indivisible. So what? People of Jewish origin are linked to the Land of Palestine, or Land of Israel, from very old times. It might very well be that at least some of the contemporary Palestinian Arabs are descendants of the Jewish population that remained there after the war of 66-73 AD, and the insurrection of 132-135 AD, accepted Christianity and in later centuries accepted Islam. Look at their faces. What would you order to do with them – expel them too to Las Vegas? By the way, do you think that only Jews have a right to live in Las Vegas? Why?
Israel was created because there was a wide consensus among nations that the political claim of the dispersed Jews to nationhood in parts of Palestine was historically sound. This consensus did not change in recent years. What has changed is that many in the world do not see the political and military behavior of Israel as acceptable. This world-critique of Israel does not help the occupied Palestinians, because their own nationhood gets support only in parallel of the one given to the Israelis, provided Israel lends support to the two-state solution. In the final account your fury only causes pain to the Palestinians.
BI-NATIONAL SOLUTION – ASSUMPTIONS
There are suggestions coming from Arabs, calling for Bi-National, or One-State solution to the Israeli-Arab conflict as an “ingenious” idea, and “Fair to both Jews and Muslims”.
To begin with, Arab and Muslims occupy 99.8% of the land in ME & Gulf region. It is obvious, the Arab-Israeli conflict is not about occupation of land. Rather, it is about the occupation of hatred and intolerance toward Jews, instilled in hearts and mind of innocent Arab-Muslims. It is about fundamentalists Muslims religious fervor with their rejection of, and intolerance to people and groups other then Muslims.
While the proposal of a Bi-National state will benefit the Palestinians, It spells ominous future to Israelis.
Here are few reason why:
1. To have Jews and Muslims living with each other in democracy and harmony, each group must accept the other, and respect its values. While Arab-Israelis do so. Arab-Muslims never accepted Jews presences in that region. Nor Judaism ever been respected by Muslim Clergies.
2.History had proved that, all throughout their 1400 year history, Muslims have demonstrated their intolerance to, and desire to subjugate the non Muslim minority living among them.
3.Those Muslims throughout the Arabs states, who speak of “a State with democracy and harmony for all”. “Rule of Law”, and “Equal right for every citizen – Jews and Muslims”. Themselves, have yet to demonstrate their adherence to these principals in their own respective countries.
4.The facts is, more then 95% of Israeli-Jews object to the idea of giving up their independence to govern themselves, according to their own 4000 year old religion, and heritage, in a democratic state, where individuals rights are protected by law. Israelis fear that, once they become a minority in their own country, their heritage, Jewish identity and freedom, will be subjugated to Islam and intolerant fundamentalist Muslim clerics. 1300 years of pertinent experience are long enough to validate these facts.
5. The “silent” majority of Israeli-Arab citizens, also see the same dangers to their own freedom of expression, and democracy enjoyed under the Israeli government. After which, it will be taken away once Muslims become majority in Israel. Therefore, they also object to this notion as well.
6. After 1900 years of persecution, living under other religions, Jews have learned that, the only place where they can be safe from persecution, and a viable society is under their own government on the land of their ancestors in the state of Israel. In a country where they can defend themselves by themselves.
7. Jews and Muslim mostly are separate, and distinct societies, From Religion, to language, Cultural, and overall view of life. Jews look forward for ways to improve their lives. Due to their oppressive regimes and fundamentalist clerics, Muslims are forced to look backward into by-gone eras of glories.
8.Prior to 1967, West Bank was part of Jordan, and Gaza was part of Egypt. Most of Jordan's population comprise of same Palestinians as those in West Bank. Queen Rai'na of Jordan, herself is a Palestinian. It seems, a federation of Jordan-West Bank-Gaza, is far more constructive and palatable, then Bi-National state between Jews and Muslim-Arabs. Finally, suffice to look at the table below where it compares the Palestinians with Jordan, Egypt & Israel Palestinians. Then the picture will be much lucid and palatable.
..............SUBJECT.....................................................................JORDAN.....EGYPT...ISRAEL - Common Language with:.............................................................Yes............Yes...........No - Common Religion with:...............................................................Yes............Yes...........No - Common Customs with. ..............................................................Yes............Yes..........No - Common Heritage with:...............................................................Yes............Yes...........No - Percentage of Population identifies itself as “Palestinians”.....:...75%...........N/A..........0% - Population density (per sq. km):.(*).............................................62.4...........79.............308.7 - Its Queen is a Palestinian:............................................................Yes.............No...........No - The state which Palestinian leaders vowed to destroy:.................No.............No...........Yes - The state most likely Pals will face LESS discrimination:...........Yes............Yes..........No - Until 1967, Pals were part of these states:....................................Yes............Yes..........No - Its founding leader (Arafat) was born in this country...................No.............Yes..........No
Now, if you would be a pragmatic and rational Palestinian. In which of one of these states would you prefer to live in peace and harmony.
And, as an unbiased observer, to which one of these states would you advise Pals to join.
Attempted to correct the rendering.
..............SUBJECT...............................................................JORDAN.....EGYPT...ISRAEL - Common Language with:....................................................Yes............Yes...........No - Common Religion with:....................................................Yes............Yes...........No - Common Customs with. ...................................................Yes............Yes..........No - Common Heritage with:.....................................................Yes............Yes...........No - % of whom identifies itself as “Palestinians”................:...75%...........N/A..........0% - Population density (per sq. km):.......................................62.4...........79.............308.7 - Its Queen is a Palestinian:...................................................Yes.............No...........No - The state which Palestinian leaders vowed to destroy:........No.............No...........Yes - The state most likely Pals will face LESS discrimination:..Yes............Yes..........No - Until 1967, Pals were part of these states:...........................Yes............Yes..........No - Its founding leader (Arafat) was born in this country...........No.............Yes..........No
Shlomo - You accept the anti-Israel position that the "political and military behavior of Israel" is unacceptable when (at the same time) countering the comments of a reader who thinks Israel shouldn't exist. There is nothing unusual about Israel's behavior in conflict. It is really inconceivable that anyone else would handle our conflict better or in a more moderate fashion. Note that for a person such as Raed who thinks that Israel shouldn't exist - there is no legitimate or acceptable "political and military behavior". Perhaps, one of the successes of the Palestinian propaganda war against Israel is the portrayal of the conflict as such a terrible suffering. The birth of Israel is seen by the Arabs as "the greatest injustice in history"; hence, the resistance to Israel is just and the defence of Israel is evil. Therefore, whatever Israel does is presented as unacceptable. Yet, the truth is that it is not really such a violent conflict. At times, it flares up for a few weeks, but generally the crime level of any major city in the world is much more dismal than this conflict. What Raed says that has some merit is his insistence that his ideological truth be stated so openly. It is a conflict about legitimacy, and that is its only unusual nature. There is nothing unusual about the handling of the conflict. It is handled in a very reasonable fashion, enabling both sides to live relatively normal everyday lives.
There is no reason to accept anything less than all of Palestine- a nation for all its people, Christian and Muslim. You claim that Jerusalem is holy to you, but like thieves in a plea bargain, you try to share some crumbs in the hope you can avoid and pervert justice. If you controlled Las Vegas, there would be no way you would consider dividing it, because unlike Jerusalem, you have a legitimate claim-no mythical fisrt and second temples, but real temples devoted to the almighty dollar. Yes, I speak on behalf of the whole world, who is tired of the injustice of a Jewish state in an area that it has no business being in.
Hoi, Raed Kami, what a mess is your outcry. What is "a nation for all its people?" Maybe you mean – the land of Palestine belongs only to its Muslim and Christian inhabitants? Well, many people think this way. However, other people have different views. You may claim that others' views are not important, because what is important is only your view. In fact, precisely this is what you say when you claim speaking on behalf of the whole world. Did you really contact to every human being on the planet Earth that permits you to state such a claim? With how many people did you speak in reality? Raed, it might well be that in fact you speak to nobody. Maybe you listen to some ideologues that you respect, but nobody, including your ideologues speak to you as people speak one to another. There is no trace of such a contact in your outcries. Perhaps the only people who speak to you really are the Jews of this site. O dear…
Regarding the holy Jerusalem and the crumbs that the thieves should share (and regarding the Las Vegas dollars): in reality you do not wish to know anything neither about Jerusalem, nor about the crumbs to share, nor about the dollars, in Las Vegas and elsewhere. The only truth that you recognize is your truth, or rather the truth of your ideologues. You already know everything. Next morning will not bring you any new idea – all the ideas are already here, and their boil down to crumbs, thieves, the Jews that have to move to Las Vegas, and dollars. Poor Raed Kami. The spring is outside. Look how beautiful are the flowers. Listen attentively, may be you will hear something important.
Dear Raed
Thank you for your posts. I could not make the case that Palestinians deserve nothing more than pity better than you. Let me tell you that the Arab ststes don't care about the Palestinian people. They won't fight for you and they won't give you citizenship in their countries. Your only true friends are the Jews who would like to make peace and create a more prosperous world. You Arabs who have never had a state of Palestine would rather sacrafice your children to martyrdom than build a better future. Ofcourse what can one expect from Palestinian leaders like Abu Mazen who denies the Holocaust or the Mufti who was Hitler's Arab bitch. Not to mention Arafat who was everybody's bitch.
This is a truly a frightening and contemptible article. If Fein is right, the "moment of truth for pro-Israel American Jews" will soon arrive.
The extraordinary point of Fein's despicable screed is that he reports that Obama is preparing to force Israel to make dangerous security concessions for the sake of a politically expedient pyrrhic "peace". In order to do so, he will use the fig leaf of leftist "Jews" in his administration and any leftist legislators willing to impose their ideology on the Jewish State of Israel, and intimidate the rest into going along. He frankly calls this Obama's planned "confrontation" with Israel.
Fein then actually urges American Jews to "stand firm" with Obama against Israel!
Fein reports what American Jews doubtful of an Obama administration feared might occur. Much worse, Israel will soon be forced to bomb Iran's nuclear weapons facilities when the U.S. fails to do so, and may be stymied in attempting to protect itself from a second Holocaust by the Obama administration's efforts to intimidate and prevent it from doing so.
As we mark Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, American Jewry should remember our cowardly failure to do all we could to help the Jews of Europe, the fragile miracle of the Jewish State of Israel born from the ashes, and our promise of "Never Again". Evil triumphs when good people do nothing. American Jews can make a difference.
Jews must do what we can to urge our elected representatives and any American administration, of whatever political persuasion, not to attempt to force Israel make concessions to its sworn enemies which endanger its security and its existence. This is a matter of principle and survival.
The question for Forward readers and all American Jews is when the moment of truth arrives, will you stand firm with Israel?
The Obama "confrontation" with Israel may come sooner than imagined. According to DEBKA.com:
IRAN COULD PRODUCE THE FIRST NUKE IN 60 DAYS WITH 60 DAYS WITH 7,000 CENTRIFUGES WORKING 24/7 – WESTERN EXPERTS
April 21, 2009
Iranian uranium enrichment leaps ahead DEBKAfile's military sources cite some Western intelligence and nuclear weapons experts as predicting that Iran could turn out nuclear weapons some time in the next 12 months.
This estimate is based on Tehran's announcement that 7,000 centrifuges are in operation to enrich uranium. If all those machines were to work at top speed day and night, seven days a week, they could produce enough weapons-grade uranium to build a bomb in 60 days, say some intelligence sources. According to American experts, given the current rate of the program's development, Iran will be in a position to manufacture as many as 60 nuclear bombs and warheads in 12 to 18 months.
This judgment was confirmed by Israel's military intelligence (AMAN) chief, Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin in his latest briefing to the cabinet Monday, April 20. He reported that Iran is going all-out for enriched uranium from overseas to shorten the process.
Japanese sources recently reported that a North Korean boat shipped a large quantity to Iran earlier this year. According to the big-circulation The Nikkei, the North Korean vessel's hold carried a secret cargo of uranium highly-enriched to 50-60 percent. The ship set out for Iran in December, moving moved at a leisurely pace so as not to call attention from Western spy satellites, surveillance vessels and warships. Earlier this year, the illegal consignment was dropped at an Iranian port for transport to a facility near Tehran, according to the Japanese paper.
Yadlin noted that extreme economic crisis has not delayed Tehran's headlong nuclear progress or curtailed its designs on other Middle East countries – Hizballah's subversive activities in Egypt are not a lone instance. Inflation is officially put at 30 percent but is probably closer to 50 percent, while unemployment is deepening, yet Tehran upped the 2009 appropriation for its nuclear program by 15 percent.
Rather than translating the crisis into leverage for persuading Iran to abandon its nuclear objectives, the Israeli intelligence chief noted that the Obama administration has opened the door to dialogue with all the extremists of the Middle East, including Iran, albeit "with open eyes."
Iran, for its part, is accelerating its nuclear program, taking full advantage of the undercover communications with Washington which are aimed at gaining Tehran's cooperation for the US war effort in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
I enjoy wathcing supposedly intelligent people like Yahuda and Schlomo fight, because they are both thieves who know deep in their heart that the only solution is for the Jews to leave Palestine. The Geneva conference has backed my viewpoint, and for the Jews of occupied Palestine, your time to leave has come. Either Obama will do it nicely, or Ahmadinejad will do it not so nicely.
Poor Raed Kami,
You have no understanding in anything. Jews are the historical sons and daughters of Palestine. You can climb the walls and say whatever you want - it will not help you. You may shout "thieves" and dream your perverted dollar-dreams about Las Vegas as much as you wish; it will not change the situation.
Shlomo and Yehuda do not fight.
The Geneva conference did not back your views. The president of Iran represents your views, together with some representatives from other countries. So what?
I am afraid that it is your time that has come. With each posting you create more and more dishonor to you and to those who speak like you. Honor – remember – is a sentiment that only living people can feel, whatever your prescribed fantasies say. If – God forbid – there will be some violent action on behalf of Iran toward Israel, its dark results may gravely affect the Palestinians no less than the Jews. We are together here, whatever your twisted soul with its crumbs would wish.
Look into the window. There are some flowers left to your almost totally blind eyes. And read these words attentively: the Jews are speaking to you.
Even those who are neither Arab nor Jew, nor European; will be affected by the current state of the efforts to secure a modus vivendi in the Middle East. It is a case of irresistable force (Israel,) meeting an immovable mass( muslims all over the world.)
One wishes that the Arabs had realized that they are too weak to challenge Israel, a remarkably gifted people supported by the US and driven by religious zeal. And one may wish that Israel would add some commonsense to its mix of unique and enviable gifts.
It is a matter of prudence that, unlike the soldiers marooned in Dacia clinging to support from Rome, Israel would at some point learn to become independent of the U.S. and Western Powers; financially, morally and yes, even militarily. On the other side, the late Anwar Sadat would have achieved peace if only he had been allowed to survive. But in the Muslim countries, prudence is not a virtue.
Those of us who wish to carry on with their economic and cultural development have an interest in peace. We would be able to obtain the assistance we need from all sides, without offending the other: this is almost impossible as things stand.
Raed khami, Wallak, Ever wondered how that story of1000 Arabian nights of fairy tales came to be. You are validating it with your each and every post.
Speaking of "ownership of land". The fact is, prior to the birth of Israel, the land in Israel, as well as surrounding was LEGALLY owned by 3 different entities - none of which your "Palestinians". 1. The Ottoman Empire 2. 7% by Jews who purchased it and paid in cash from the Ottomans. (Even the Palestinians themselves admit to this fact) 3. Wealthy Absenty Arab, also called Effendi. They are the one who were leasing the land throughout modern Israel to the Arab peasants (phalahim). So, whom are you trying to mislead - only yourself.
You claim "historical" connection to the land of Israel going back 1000s of years. When you show me (or any Jew) the same copy of Dead Sea Scrolls written in ARABIC instead of Hebrew, then come back here habibi and we will have a rational conversation about respect and tolerance.
The entire Islamic doctrine and education is based on what you seem to epitomize. forced conquest, and subjugation of others. Looting, and pillaging entire societies. Deprive them of their history, identities, and self respect - all subjugated to one illiterate man. Danial, and outright destruction of other religions except Islam. The problem with Islam that, it has been more then 950 years since Islam was any factor on world stage. Since then it has been going down, with no tangible accomplishment, nor contribution to humanity. So, what is left for characters like you to do. Live the past, whine, invent occupation, to manufacture Resistance, and play on others emotions to gain sympathy.
We Jews are not going to quietly resign and abandon the Jewish state. The Palestinians are not going to give up their desire for a state of their own. Therefore, most of the foregoing comments are a waste of time.
Those who are concerned with the welfare of our fellow human beings should be concentrating on methods to reduce the hate and fear which separate the parties.
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