I identify myself as a liberal in the humanistic sense, though I don't relate it to the partisan politics of today's USA. Nonetheless, I'm a little amazed at the increasingly negative view of Israel among many liberals.
One should view Israel in a large historical context: they were driven out of their homeland and then persecuted for religious reasons by the two faiths they helped create. From my readings, they've GENERALLY been an enlightened and peaceful people, contributing to the cultures in which they've lived. Nonetheless, the ignorant among many peoples often persecuted them, and even in the U.S.A. before World War 2 they faced much racism.
After the horrors of the holocaust and Stalinism, Israel was created, and I think it was an excellent idea. The Jewish people deserve a homeland. I'm no deep philosopher on the Jewish-Arabic conflict(though I'd point out that through history the Arabs were actually easier on the Jews than Christians.) I'm sure there have been mistakes on both sides.
I also know that Israel's been conducting a rather strong-armed PR campaign even in the USA, trying to solidify pro-Israel views. I'd point out that Israelis have a heritage of persecution, and they're insecure about their new homeland; The thinking person will assume the best for the motives of the Israeli people. I don't believe that they should or will be able to dominate the Middle East; Diplomacy must work and it can't all be on the Arabic side.
But for all the talk(and though I distance myself from dogmatic conservatives who have the same opinion,) I can understand why Israel doesn't want a Palestinian state so very very close. The freedoms that a state suggests would give the Palestinian militants dangerous abilities to strike at Israel with weapons they can't even acquire now(with the "help" of Islamists from outside.) As for splitting the capital, I just don't think that's viable.
Comments
steve-r | November 29, 2009 - 01:51
Try reading a little more history.
The country was Palestine.
It was given over in sympathy after the horrors of the holocaust.
And while no one would deny the Jewish people deserve somewhere to call their own, stealing a country can never be an acceptable answer.
There will always be conflict there until peace and justice is done.
Two wrongs do not make it right.
seannelson | November 30, 2009 - 00:08
I don't think that in affairs of state, war, etc., the word "stealing" has much meaning. Diplomacy and cooperation do.
tcook | November 30, 2009 - 17:55
It all came about as a result of the Balfour Declaration - a piece of first world war stupidity by the very stupid British Government of the time.
I think that we have to separate our thoughts about the Jewish people from our thoughts about Israel. Israel has declared itself a Zionist state - which amounts to apartheid against Palestinians. The Palestinians were forcibly removed from their homes by the Israelis and the indignities, water stealing, land stealing and harrassment have continued ever since. Terrorism is never excusable - but it is on both sides here - and a peace settlement is long overdue. Whilst the USA gives knee-jerk support to the Zionist state due to the influence of the Jewish lobby in the Capitol that peace settlement will not come about. Neither side deserves the raw deal that they have had, and continue to have, from the international community.
In this conflict everyone is guilty and it's time to bury the hatchet and move towards a genuine settlement.