The power of external factors
It is tempting to yearn for the good old days of warfare, when the forces of one state fought against the forces of another, until those leading the governments decided that they had enough. Most fighters did what they were told, and few journalists or non-governmental organizations muddied the issues with their pictures and demands.
Current wars are complicated by so many players, and more confusion than clarity in the nature of the conflicts, and what it may take to end them.
Perhaps the geniuses directing American combat in Afghanistan or Iraq can figure out who they are fighting and how to end it.
Comments (1)Criticizing the government
Judging Israel is no simple task, but this does not keep the simpletons from complaining. We read that Israel is failing to take the steps necessary to protect its people, and failing to explain what it is doing; Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Amir Peretz (who should not have been appointed) and their generals failed in Lebanon II; Israel is giving too much to the Palestinians of the West Bank; and is being too strict with the maintenance of barriers; Israel's lack of response to the missiles against Sderot reveals a moral bankruptcy; Israel's quarantine against Gaza, and its frequent incursions to capture or kill represent unacceptable violations of international law.
It is not easy being an Israeli policymaker, soldier, commentator, or citizen. The pressures are intense, and the constraints awesome. What other country faces chronic efforts to kill its civilians, and lives in the spotlight of international organizations that find it convenient to hold Israel (and usually only Israel) to the highest standards, and might welcome the destruction of Israel?
The problem with settlements
In advance of President George W. Bush's pending visit to Jerusalem, we have heard a great deal about Israel's failure to remove "illegal settlements" from the West Bank. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has also stated that she opposes construction in some neighborhoods within the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem.
Let me be so rude as to offer an elementary lesson in political science, which is embarrassing not only in light of the fact that the Secretary of State is a former professor of political science, but because it may embarrass Israel's recent prime ministers.
Both Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert may have exceeded their mandates when they committed themselves to remove those settlements.
About this blog Window on Israel
Hebrew University Political Science professor evaluates the latest happenings in Israel.
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