Wednesday Jun 10, 2009
Posted by Ira Sharkansky
In the context of rising tensions between the Obama administration and the Netanyahu government about Jewish settlements in the West Bank, it is appropriate to look at some details. They may not convince Obama enthusiasts to question whether the president is on the right track. They will not overturn the view held by many that the settlements represent all that is short-sighted and wrong-headed about the Israeli regime. Facts are only one of the things considered by partisans. Nonetheless, they are worth something.
They indicate that Israel has been more successful than the United States in dealing with its security, at less cost to the people who consider themselves enemies of Israel.
Wednesday Mar 04, 2009
Posted by Ira Sharkansky
Pardon my cynicism, but the continued, new, or renewed insistence of the United States, European governments, some Israelis and other hangers-on to pursue negotiations with Palestinians, Syrians and Iranians strike me as the playthings of children. Think of the performances that elementary school children give for their parents. Aren't they all cute?
Lip service is another appropriate metaphor.
One must aspire to peace, and go through appropriate motions. Correct political aspirations demand it.
Don't hold your breath waiting for positive results.
Why these damning predictions about the efforts of numerous worthies from credible countries, who otherwise do much good for their own citizens and the world at large?
Monday Dec 08, 2008
Posted by Ira Sharkansky
If I may be so bold as to issue some advice to President-Elect Barack Obama, it is to be cautious in the extreme about two issues on his agenda: Afghanistan and Israel-Palestine.
His campaign rhetoric included proclamations that Afghanistan is "the right war" "It's time to heed the call...for more troops...and "I'd send at least two or three additional combat brigades to Afghanistan."
Since then, Obama has been cautioned by a variety of experts. There are no clear signals as to his intentions as president.
Wednesday Dec 03, 2008
Posted by Ira Sharkansky
The once mighty Israel Labor Party has descended into a deep crisis, and may even be twitching in its final moments. It led the Jewish community of Palestine and then Israel unchallenged from before statehood until the election of 1977. It came as close as any party to winning an absolute majority in a national election when it gained 56 seats in the 120 member Knesset chosen in 1969.
Latest polls show it winning as few as seven or even six seats in the coming election. There are conversations that could join what remains of Labor with the Kadima party. The party may go the way of the Wachovia Bank, that is also poised to disappear into a merger meant to save something from annihilation.
Sunday Nov 02, 2008
Posted by Ira Sharkansky
While the American election is reaching a boil, Israeli elections are beginning to simmer. We go to the polls to select local mayors and councils on November 11, and again on February 10 to select a new Knesset.
Israeli polls are showing a close race between Binyamin Netanyahu's Likud and Tzipi Livni's Kadima, with Ehud Barak's Labor in danger of falling into the dustbin. Neither of the major parties seem likely to get more than a quarter of the vote, so there will be a lot of work after the election to put together a coalition.
Sunday Jul 06, 2008
Posted by Ira Sharkansky
There are signs of a political earthquake in Israel.
They have nothing to do with charges of corruption against the prime minister, or the maneuvering of aspirants to seek advantage in the expected collapse of Olmert's government, or the election that will follow it.
The shock appears in comments of the national peacemaker, President Shimon Peres. He said that there is no chance of peace with the Palestinians.
Wednesday Jun 11, 2008
Posted by Ira Sharkansky
Remember Yassir Arafat?
Until he was confined to a heavily damaged headquarters by the Israeli army, he traveled the world. He consulted with the Saudi king, with the princes of the Gulf Emirates, with Saddam Hussein and other Arab presidents, with European heads of state, and whoever was supposed to be in charge of the United Nations. News about those meetings dealt with one or another option the Palestinian leader was exploring at the time, and his pursuit of financial aid.
In the final analysis those trips did not seem to help the Palestinians or Arafat. When he died, his successors had to clean a few square meters of rubble from the courtyard of his headquarters in order to bury him.
Thursday May 22, 2008
Posted by Ira Sharkansky
There is a great scandal brewing here, but at least some of the implications are not as frightening as they seem.
The scandal concerns police investigations and potential criminal charges against Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for deception, dereliction of duty, violation of trust, money laundering, tax evasion, and perhaps bribery. We are some way from a formal indictment, but serious reports, as well as leaks and speculation suggest that this is the most serious investigation of the five or six that have been waged against him in recent years. Political rivals within and outside his party are circling like vultures who scent rotting meat, and positioning themselves to do battle both with the prime minister and with one another.
Tuesday May 13, 2008
Posted by Ira Sharkansky
Yesterday a grandmother was killed on one of the kibbutzim near Gaza by a Palestinian missile. Saturday a member of another kibbutz died in the same way. Saturday's victim was a professional photographer. We saw a film of him expressing his willingness to live alongside Israel's borders.
When is enough enough?
Israel's government seems to be dithering with Hamas and other armed groups, via Egyptian intermediaries, about a cease-fire. Israel would like to link the cease fire with the release of Gilad Schalit, held prisoner in Gaza by one of the groups, for almost two years. Palestinian groups are saying that they may re-open talks about his release if Israel agrees to a cease-fire. Israel also wants an end to the flow of armaments to Gaza through Egypt. There seems little chance that another agreement on this issue will be more successful than previous agreements on the same issue.
Monday Apr 21, 2008
Posted by Ira Sharkansky
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.
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About this blog
Window on Israel
Hebrew University Political Science professor evaluates the latest happenings in Israel.
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Recent Comments
Al, USA: I agree with Ira. Gilo is part of Jerusalem and should remain so. Pres. Obama is naive and doesn't really understand the situation. However, if he does that is even worse, for he then is intentionally undermining Israel and the city of Jerusalem. Winners of wars and territories traditionally have not returned won territories unless they got something substantial in return. So far the PA has been unwilling to do so. We saw the consequences of leaving Gaza.
Pero, massachusetts: To shani: what about the sinai? israel returned to egypt 1981, and only agreed to do so in 1977, 4 years after the youm kippour war. what about when israel pulled out of lebanon? isnt that in the last 500 years. and anyway, just because something is won in war doesn't make it legitimate
To neal: Britain's mandate was based on the fact that it conquered palestine. what right does britain have to give it away? is this your logic? things can only be won through. my friend, if that is your logic, arabs will be in a perpetual state of war with you, be cause you have no legitimacy.
Jay: yes possession counts!
by your logic " EdB" the United States should give back all the land it stole from the Indians over the early years of the US's massive expansion. Israelis have more right to all of Jerusalem, Judea (hello?) & Samaria then do the americans to places like the state of Iillinois, Michigan, Ohio ect... because they all in fact had large native populations pre-dating the conquest of european/anglo-saxon's and would be the "palestinians" of today. with one big exception: the Jews pre-date the "palestinians" on this land by 2000 years.
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