Tony Karon, Rootless Cosmopolitan, October 23:
When the Zionist right in America “defends Israel” by going after one of Israel’s most respected newspapers which happens to tell the truth about the occupation and related matters, it’s not hard to see why Pipes & co. have little cause for optimism. The Zionist moment is over, because most Jews around the world (and even many in Israel) are not inclined to a nationalist view of their Jewishness. And remember, Zionism is not much more than 100 years old, arising along with the nationalist currents of late 19th century Europe that accompanied the breakup of the Hapsburg empire. It’s hardly surprising that in a 21st century where we have had a free choice, almost two thirds of us have chosen to live not in a “Jewish State” but wherever in the world we choose to. Many Israelis today are excercising the same choice. And Jews who are not prone to nationalism have no need to rationalize Israel’s abuses against others.
I think Karon is largely correct - and I’ve spent years writing about the failure of Zionism to acknowledge its crimes and failings - but debate in the West is one thing, and the reality on the ground in Palestine is another. As Noam Chomsky correctly says, we are currently witnessing the death of a nation, Palestine, in view of the world, and condoned by the major powers. Israel’s never-ending ability to further punish the Palestinians continues.
And the world sits on its hands.
The world (with perhaps a few exceptions, eg Russia) looks on while the US places sanctions on Iran calculated to increase antognism from Tehran and hence increase the credibility of those in the US who favour an invasion.
I am sure that Tony is correct, but you are also correct about the final solution that is being imposed on the Palestine problem.
It would seem that American & Israeli politics are now totally corrupt, they are incapable of making moral or ethical choices. The people generally don’t know or don’t care (does that sound familiar as a justification).
It would appear that the only way we will all be saved from our own venal stupidity, will be for the collapse of the US economy [there is every reason to believe that it will collapse in the same way that the USSR did, and for the same reason]. The only issue is just how soon that will occurr, this will dictate when the Middle East Madness will come to a halt.
Hopefully we will get to see this happen - very soon. Yes, many people will be hurt, but then, many people ARE being hurt. So this would be the lesser evil, it may just restore some harmony to our world?