“Enemy: ‘a person who feels hatred for, fosters harmful designs against, or engages in antagonistic activities against another; an adversary or opponent.’” — Dictionary.com
Despite Vice President Joe Biden’s recent pledge of unswerving fidelity to Israel during his recent visit there, the rhetoric and pressure directed by the Obama administration against the only fully functioning democracy in the Middle East more accurately resembles the behavior of an enemy. Increasingly under this administration — but also in Republican administrations — America’s policy toward Israel is full of “harmful designs” and “antagonistic activities.” The intentions may not be deliberate, but the outcome would lead to the same injurious end.
The latest pretext for putting more pressure on Israel to do more in the “pursuit of peace” comes from a decision by Israel’s Interior Ministry to construct 1,600 new housing units in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo, which is located in “disputed territory.” To the Palestinians and their Arab and Muslim neighbors, most especially Iran and Syria, all of Israel is “disputed territory.” It is difficult to understand why the U.S. State Department thinks not building a few houses is going to dissuade Israel’s enemies from wanting less than they want now.
The failure of this formula has been evident for decades, but U.S. policy continues to employ it, always with the same results. Whether Israel’s concessions have been unilateral — most recently with its abandonment of the Gaza Strip, which predictably led to terrorist attacks from that territory — or negotiated deals which the Palestinians have never lived up to, Israel always ends up getting its pocket picked. Then, the United States, the U.N., Europe and Russia demand that it put more valuables in its pocket so the thieves can continue their thievery.
A Washington Post headline illustrates the deteriorating relationship between the two nations, “U.S. Pushes Netanyahu to Accept 3 Demands.” There is no similar demand that the Palestinians and especially Hamas, which has said it will agree to nothing less than the eradication of Israel, should accept anything, not even the minimal acceptance of Israel’s right to exist. Meanwhile, Hamas has called on Palestinians to launch a third “intifada.”
After apologizing to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the “offense” of the housing announcement during Biden’s visit, Netanyahu reminded the Israeli parliament that Israel has been building in east Jerusalem for four decades. He said, “The building of those Jewish neighborhoods in no way hurt the Arabs of East Jerusalem and did not come at their expense.”
That doesn’t matter when the wrong formula is employed. In this twisted thinking, whatever Israel does is unjustified so long as the Palestinian-Arab-Muslim side is unhappy. What part of annihilation does the State Department not understand? What State is blind to is that the “Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” as it is erroneously labeled, is part of a worldwide religious war against all things Jewish, Christian, secular, modern and Western.
Making demands of only one side before serious negotiations begin, especially on matters of Jerusalem, so-called “refugees” and borders, effectively pressures Israel into making concessions on all three, which would severely damage its prospects for continued existence.
How about first making these demands of the Palestinian-Arab-Muslim side: (1) A pledge of no more war with Israel, or terrorism; 2) a declaration by a powerful Islamic cleric that their God no longer requires them to kill people who don’t believe as they do; and 3) no more teaching in Palestinian textbooks and in their media that Jews created AIDS and descend from monkeys and pigs?
After those three demands are met, the State Department can start making demands of Israel. Not before. Anything less puts America on the wrong side, along with Israel’s (and America’s) enemies. Or hasn’t State noticed that we share the same enemies?
— Cal Thomas is a columnist for Tribune Media Services. tmseditors@tribune.com
Comments
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
"the only fully functioning democracy in the Middle East"
I guess that tells us all we need to know about Cal's definition of "democracy," which clearly must include murdering women and children by the thousands, and while not murdering them, holding them in concentration camps by the millions.
vertigo (Jesse Crittenden) says…
Can we have our $3B in military aid back? kthnx!
georgiahawk (anonymous) says…
The only reason Isreal still exists is because of our military support. Every year, several times a year they dis us in one way or another, like the errant child they are we should take away their allowance. Let the "chosen people" be rescued by the hand of God, their arrogance will eventually cause the next world war!
oldvet (anonymous) says…
The Jew-haters are out in force today...
jaywalker (anonymous) says…
"Making demands of only one side before serious negotiations begin, especially on matters of Jerusalem, so-called “refugees” and borders, effectively pressures Israel into making concessions on all three, which would severely damage its prospects for continued existence."
Jumped the shark there a touch there, Cal. Israel's existence is always at risk, but the above aren't going to effect that status one way or another.
"Let the "chosen people" be rescued by the hand of God, their arrogance will eventually cause the next world war!"
Excellent example of callousness and stupidity wrapped up in one. Let's abandon them to be demolished by their enemies, forget they're a friend, 'cuz it's Israel's arrogance that has had a significant portion of the Arab world straining their leashes at any chance to wipe them from the Earth. Swell.
Who drew first blood? Who's been the constant, relentless aggressor? No doubt Israel has been vicious in retaliation at times, and they're not helping matters by breaking treaties, but they're not vowing to wipe anyone off the planet either. They were attacked the day the nation was founded, for cryin' out loud. Was that arrogance too? They'd be more than happy to live in peace if everyone else would stop attacking them. If there's another world war and Israel is the center of it, it'll be because others want to eliminate a whole people because of who they are, not what they've done.
georgiahawk (anonymous) says…
Jaywalker, are you so blinded that you think that the land Isreal is on was not some other country first? To start your history of aggression on the first day Isreal became a country is about as myopic of a view as possible. And yes it was arrogant to think that land could be given to Isreal that belonged to others and not expect the others to defend what was rightfully theirs. Who drew first blood? How far do you want to go back? Obviously to make your argument work, you can only go back a few decades, but nothing before the stealing of land for Isreal in 1948.
guesswho (anonymous) says…
For anyone who criticizes Israel, they are called anti-Zionest or a Jew-Hater. Not true. But, why do we ALWAYS give such unwavering support for Israel? Is it still guilt over the Holocaust?
Israel and Egypt (because they signed the peace accords in the 1970s) receive more foreign aid then the rest of the countries in the world combined!
jaywalker (anonymous) says…
"Jaywalker, are you so blinded that you think that the land Isreal is on was not some other country first?"
Um, yeah. It was called Zion and was populated by the Jews. Whoops.
RonHolzwarth (Ron Holzwarth) says…
I used to work under a man who called himself Palestinian, even though he had never been there.
He grew up in Egypt, and that is where all of his family lives. I asked him once why there were such problems between the Palestinians and Jews.
His answer: "We HATE them!"
I asked him, "Why?"
His answer: "I don't know! We just do!"
RonHolzwarth (Ron Holzwarth) says…
And this is just before Passover and the Seder! A small tidbit of the Seder meal is a prayer for the enemies of the Jewish people, who suffered death in defeat.
The Sages explain that one cannot be completely joyous when some of God's creatures had to suffer.
Do you think Muslims ever pray for the Jews the same way that Jews pray for the Muslims?
Nope, that ain't in their religion.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
"Do you think Muslims ever pray for the Jews the same way that Jews pray for the Muslims?"
Given the Jews kill Muslims at at least 10 times the rate of Muslims killing Jews, Jews must be doing lots of praying.
RonHolzwarth (Ron Holzwarth) says…
Books have been written about the comments that anonymous posters are tossing in here!
rooster (anonymous) says…
oldvet (anonymous) says…
The Jew-haters are out in force today...
By that measure you are a U.S.A. hater since you don't approve of the Obama administration.
vertigo (Jesse Crittenden) says…
By that measure you are a U.S.A. hater since you don't approve of the Obama administration.
No you mean a Christian hater, since he hates the U.S.A., supposedly a Christian founded nation.
RonHolzwarth (Ron Holzwarth) says…
You know vertigo, if all the anonymous postings were removed, we'd be the only two left!
I think the anonymous posting feature should be removed. You can't write a letter to the editor without having your name published, and I think it should be the same way here. Then people might think a bit more about what they're saying.
LoveThsLife (anonymous) says…
Cal needs to live in the middle east for awhile or at least educate himself a little more before posting such an asinine article.
First of all Israel is breaking treaties by developing in territories specifically designated as belonging to the Palestinians. The United States is trying to curb this..Israel is acting like a spoiled child.
Because of us Israel has nuclear power..which by the way we have to stop them from using...if we let them have free reign they probably would have nuked Lebanon and every other country near them by now.
Israel is like apartheid South Africa on steroids.
And Ron...
You don't think the Israelis have just as much hate for the Palestinians??? It flows both ways....except Israel has the power to cut off their water supply, electricity and suppress needed medical care if "necessary".
Now tell me if you weren't subject to those conditions you wouldn't start wanting to support some extremist organization?
I am not saying those organizations are good and have benefit....because they are horrible...but there is a reason the violence going on there is happening and there is a reason that those types of organizations are starting to find more support in the Palestinian territories..it's because people there feel hopeless and organizations that were more willing to negotiate with Israel weren't making much headway..mainly because Israel was being so stubborn.
I am not against Israel, but I whole heartedly agree with what we are doing right now. Israel claims they want peace but does nothing to help it along. If Israel really wants peace they need to lose the pride and sit down and talk and come to terms that they will forever share that part of the world with Muslims. And Palestinians will need to sit down and realize that they will forever share their land with Israel...and then they need to work on viable solutions...it's called humility and neither side has it.
We are not Israel's enemies we are their friends..and we are being friends by telling them to shape up.
I hope that the US can help Israel and the the Palestinians come to some peaceful resolution so that both sides can live in peace...unfortunately I don't know if I will ever live to see that day.....
Kontum1972 (anonymous) says…
Funny,,,how nobody has mentioned how they* like to run over innocent children and crush homes with people.... still in them, with their tanks....that part never surfaces.....ask Amy Goodman from NPR/Democracy Now!
georgiahawk (anonymous) says…
Jaywalker, Zion? Really, Zion? Is this a God gave them this land thing and because they are the arrogant ones, I mean the chosen ones, this land will always be theirs? Give me a break or move off of the land you live on so the Native Americans can have it back!
verity (anonymous) says…
How did I know who wrote the moment I saw the title?
If you really want to go back in history---the Bible says (and this seems to be confirmed by archeology) that Israel took (stole) the land from the original inhabitants some thousands of years ago in some pretty nasty and bloody ways.
While in modern times there have been some really bad actors on both sides of the issue, once again it's the common people who get screwed. Mostly all they want is to live in peace in their homes.
What LoveThisLife said---only I hope your last phrase is wrong.
feeble (anonymous) says…
Friends, don't let friends form governments with Yisrael Beiteinu.
=========================================
jaywalker (anonymous) says…
"Jaywalker, are you so blinded that you think that the land Isreal is on was not some other country first?"
Um, yeah. It was called Zion and was populated by the Jews. Whoops.
==========================================
Following this line of reasoning, why not return the land to the Ottoman Turks since they controlled it for over 400 years (1516 CE to 1917 CE)? Or heck, to Italy, since it was province of ancient Rome from 37 BCE to 395 CE?
While we are at it, we probably should decamp all non-native Americans from the North American continent and decamp 'em back to their continents of origin.
Isreal as a state began it's existence in 1967. Appeals to history, especially Biblical history, are without merit.
Carve out a rectangle between Topeka, Emporia, Bonner Springs and Gardner. Toss in 2.35 Million People. That's the West Bank. Add in Kansas City, Kansas, but bump the population up to 1.5 Million. That's Gaza.
Cut the rest of Kansas in half, on a line that follows 81. Add 7 million people to the part east of 81. That's Israel. There are 10 million people in an area the size of Eastern Kansas. There are too many to kill or move. Sooner or later, they'll need realize that a two state solution is the only option available to them. Propping up Yisrael Beiteinu keeps that goal from being realized.
RonHolzwarth (Ron Holzwarth) says…
"If Israel really wants peace,,,, they will forever share that part of the world with Muslims."
Did you know that 20% of Israeli citizens are Muslims? Far to many people confuse living in Israel with being Jewish. True, Jews are in the majority, but with 22 Arab states, seems just one could be mostly Jewish.
"both sides can live in peace...unfortunately I don't know if I will ever live to see that day....."
Nope, we won't ever see that. Muslims are free to live in Israel, but Jews were kicked out and are not allowed to own property in most Muslim countries.
There is a saying among some extremists. "First the Saturday people (Jews), then the Sunday people (Christians)."
That means we're next, after the Jews are driven into the sea.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
"That means we're next, after the Jews are driven into the sea. "
Who are "we," Ron? It would appear to me that you are just as bigoted towards Muslims as you think they are against whoever you think you are.
In my view, your line of thinking is at the root of the problem, whether from a Jew, a Muslim, a Christian or an atheist.
anonymously yours, (so what I say can't possibly have any validity)
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus
LoveThsLife (anonymous) says…
Yes, I am well aware of that Ron..however..that doesn't change the fact that it is Jews who are in power over there and look down upon those who are of Muslim descent.
Yes, Jews were give limited freedoms (which I don't agree with)...in response to the creation of the Israeli state as well as in response to the things going on in Israel right now.
Quite frankly, if those on both sides of the issue would buck up and act like real adults the whole thing could be easily solved.
The real victims are those who are the "common people" who just want to live in peace..on both sides of the the fence (in Israel that is quite literal I might add given the fact that those in the ruling majority have built walls around Palestine)
Verity- I hope I am wrong to on that last part.
On a side note..I wonder what Rahm Emanuel thinks of all this..I can imagine there are some VERY heated discussions going on in the White House right now.
LoveThsLife (anonymous) says…
I meant too* when responding to verity..
Ceallach (anonymous) says…
It's incredible to think that a nation could be established and prosper on land that belonged to another people. Even worse, that it was taken and held by bloody force. The land of course should be returned to it's original inhabitants, no doubt about it. I'm just waiting for the day this land goes back to the 1st Nations peoples. Guess I better head on down to Tahlequah and make sure all the papers are in order for me to inherit part of my grandmother's share.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
"The “native Americans” those who were here when Europeans arrived had taken land and killed the previous inhabitants."
That's overly simplistic, and more of a rationalization for European genocide than an accurate account of history.
jafs (anonymous) says…
That may be true, but when you start with violence, you shouldn't be surprised if it continues.
And, you shouldn't make yourself out to be the "good guys".
I'm Jewish, but have some big problems with the way Israel has been acting. It's not anti-Semitic to criticize Israel for their actions, but when you start equating Israel with "the Jews" it gets a bit off.
RonHolzwarth (Ron Holzwarth) says…
From the Koran:
The Disbelievers
[109.6] You shall have your religion and I shall have my religion.
That's a good rule to live by. I hope I didn't take it totally out of context.
cowboy (anonymous) says…
Israel has had some 60 years to try and get this done and they have chosen not to . They hold the cards and no one else. I'm sick of them . Mandate a peace settlement or cut them off , it's that simple.
CreatureComforts (anonymous) says…
I am half-Jewish and have friends and family in Israel...and even I think Israel is a big bully a lot of the time. They know much of the western world will back them no matter how many innocents they kill (i.e. - killing more women and children than enemies in the fight with Hamas a few years back). Israel can be a great country, and it can also be a disgusting country. Depends on the day.
I'm not a huge fan of going there because I do not approve of a lot of the things they spend money on, so I do not always jump at the chance to give them more of it.
jafs (anonymous) says…
cowboy,
It isn't really that simple, although I agree that our aid to Israel should be contingent on their acting with integrity and working for peace.
Both sides have committed serious violence and broken agreements - how can you negotiate if you don't trust the other guy?
And, to put the creation of Israel in context, we should remember that it was created at the end of WWII, after the Nazis had killed millions of Jews while the world sat back and did nothing. It's understandable that Jews at the time felt that they needed somewhere of their own.
LoveThsLife (anonymous) says…
Jafs-
I apologize if I sounded anti-semitic. I really am not..it more has to do with Israel than religion..I probably could have communicated that better.
And Barry-
It's not about a jihad....I am in no way Muslim. And I think being critical of Israel's current policies when it comes to Palestine isn't really "jihadist" at all. It's about looking at what's going on and realizing that it isn't working but creating more issues.
cowboy (anonymous) says…
Peace could occur tomorrow if Israel decided they wanted it. You can only ride history for so long then your on the wrong side. Israel is on the wrong side now and they are dragging down much of the free world with them. If some one relegated me to a small part of lawrence , wouldn't let me pass freely , kept most of us in refugee camps , kept 70 % of us unemployed , I'd be a bit pi$$ed off also. You could take most of the middle east and just blow it up and the world would be better off in the long run . I don't care about either side or their 2000 year old feuds.
Boston_Corbett (anonymous) says…
Remember the USS Liberty.
Most people have never heard of this incident. When it occurred, it was more convenient for some in Washington to sweep it under the rug, where it remained for many years.
http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Libe...
http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig/margo...
jonas_opines (anonymous) says…
"I think the anonymous posting feature should be removed. You can't write a letter to the editor without having your name published, and I think it should be the same way here. Then people might think a bit more about what they're saying."
why?
gogoplata (anonymous) says…
Israel can take care of itself. We should let them.
RonHolzwarth (Ron Holzwarth) says…
You have a point, jonas_opines, why think? After all, that's a bunch of trouble.
RonHolzwarth (Ron Holzwarth) says…
gogoplata, the Samson option just cannot be considered.
jonas_opines (anonymous) says…
No, Ron, I meant why do you think that would make a difference. Several named posters on this site suggests that it doesn't.
gatekeeper (anonymous) says…
jaywalker (anonymous) says…
"Jaywalker, are you so blinded that you think that the land Isreal is on was not some other country first?"
Um, yeah. It was called Zion and was populated by the Jews. Whoops.
////////////////////
You should not speak about what you don't know jack about. The children of Isreal took that land from the Canaanites and Philistines. It wasn't blank land that no one was living on. Hmmm, why was it called the Land of Canaan? They took the land by force because they thought the sky god told them it was theirs. The children of Israel fought them both to take their land. They were bloody people that killed to TAKE that land.
Have you ever read the Old Testament? I suggest you read Numbers (34).
And don't call me anti-semitic. There is a difference between a country and a religion. Ancient Israel was taken by force and modern Israel was just plain taken from the Palestinians to make up for the Holocaust. The European Jews should have been given a good chunk of nazi Germany instead of trying to take back the ancient lands they forcefully took. All of the chaos now between Jews and Muslims could have been avoided if modern Isreal wasn't created.
RonHolzwarth (Ron Holzwarth) says…
Well jonas_opines, that was not my original idea, someone on another thread sparked that thought. It seems to me that a lot of people like to shoot off their mouths without any fear of anyone knowing who they are. And why exactly is it that you need a name for a letter to the editor, but not here? It is the same forum, after all.
I did notice on this particular thread, that with only a couple exceptions (that counts me), the only posters were anonymous!
If you feel that you have a valid, well considered point, why should you worry about other people knowing who you are, and what you think?
RonHolzwarth (Ron Holzwarth) says…
"All of the chaos now between Jews and Muslims could have been avoided if modern Isreal wasn't created." - Gatekeeper
From the Koran:
The Dinner Table
[5.51] O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people.
jonas_opines (anonymous) says…
"If you feel that you have a valid, well considered point, why should you worry about other people knowing who you are, and what you think?"
You wouldn't. But the better question is: "If you know that you have nothing but crap to bring to the table, but you also know that even your real name is just two words put together, that most people reading won't know you personally, and that, realistically, no one is going to hunt you down and make you accountable for what you say in any real sense, why does it matter if people know who you are?"
Another important question, from my point of view, is: "If you have a valid, well-considered point, what difference does it make who you are?"
I'm just a random dude with some opinions. If you want my name, feel free to google my username, since it's my consistent online identity, and one of the links has it listed. But I almost guarantee one thing.
You'll have never heard of me.
RonHolzwarth (Ron Holzwarth) says…
jonas - you're lucky! I hate to google my own name. Because, of the first ten listings on the first page of google.com, I'm referred to 4 times. I am not to proud of that.
LoveThsLife (anonymous) says…
I don't want to put my real name or identity out there. I try to protect my identity as much as possible due to the real threat of identity theft and other issues. I think it is safer to just have a user name.
blue73harley (anonymous) says…
Not to mention those scamps who post while at work...I hate those guys! ;-)
Ceallach (anonymous) says…
So, Atlas, share your wisdom -- who were the first people in the land now occupied by the United States of America?
Calliope877 (anonymous) says…
Ceallach (anonymous) says…
"So, Atlas, share your wisdom -- who were the first people in the land now occupied by the United States of America?"
If you don't know the answer to that question, I suggest you go back to school.
jaywalker (anonymous) says…
georgia and feeble,
Both of your posts were entirely too weak to bother to counter. Not in the mood to suffer fools tonight.
kimmydarling (anonymous) says…
Barry, are you too stoned? Or not stoned enough? Either way, you aren't stoned the exact right amount to make sense.
However at this point I'm sure your shiny tinfoil hat keeps out all the government signals and you have nothing to fear.
Why is it always middle class, christian, white men who want to insist Obama is out to threaten the world and way of life? Wait, stupid question..you're probably of the same breed who believe he's really a Kenyan muslim.
MyName (anonymous) says…
And Israel is acting like someone who is abusing our trust. Instead of trying to make our job easier in the Mideast by not doing things that tick off all of the other countries in their neighborhood (and our neighborhood as long as we're in Afghanistan and Iraq).
If they want to go pick a few fights, they're welcome to send back the $3 BN a year we send them in military aid and then they won't have to pretend that actually give a damn about what happens to the Palestinians.
Cooky_the_Cook (anonymous) says…
"Jews created AIDS and descend from monkeys and pigs"
I am pretty sure I read that in my clowning textbook, too.
It was right after the chapter about the Jews "murdering women and children by the thousands, and while not murdering them, holding them in concentration camps by the millions"
Cappy (anonymous) says…
A true friend is one who will tell you when you're screwing up.
Ceallach (anonymous) says…
Calliope, unless you are also Atlas the question was not for you.
jocknavals (anonymous) says…
the premise of cal's argument is that israel is a 'fully functioning democracy'. this is patently false. israel's government is an exclusionary theocracy taking place on land stolen from people within living memory. big difference.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) says…
"I am pretty sure I read that in my clowning textbook, too."
No books required, cooky. Just open your eyes to what's actually happening in the world. It's pretty easy to see, if you're willing. But apparently, you aren't.
Kontum1972 (anonymous) says…
i dont trust them guys as far as i can spit....!
they spy on us too like its no bodies business...
Made_in_China (Paul R. Getto) says…
RonHolzwarth: "You know vertigo, if all the anonymous postings were removed, we'd be the only two left! I think the anonymous posting feature should be removed. .... Then people might think a bit more about what they're saying. " === Ron: I tend to agree, but realize why some are reluctant. Think about what one is saying? What a thought. On the other hand, since physical newspapers are dying and in 10 years no one will have a copy of the LJW for fishwrap, click count is what it's all about and seems to be the only business plan out there. Therefore, 'those with the funny names' will continue to rant on. Rest assured, if it gets too serious, the LJW will cough up the people behind the names when/if it counts or if it threatens their bottom line. In the meantime, enjoy the ride.
none2 (anonymous) says…
jocknavals (anonymous) says…
the premise of cal's argument is that israel is a 'fully functioning democracy'. this is patently false. israel's government is an exclusionary theocracy taking place on land stolen from people within living memory. big difference.
==================
So if the dispute has been going on longer than living memory, it is ok? It is ok, that the middle-east mistreated the Kurds? It is ok if the Ottomans (Turks) confiscated lands owned by the Armenians and caused a holocaust because people born in the early 1900's who might remember it are dying out? What date should be given to expire caring about China's invasion of Tibet?
Are any of these anti-Israel commentators upset that we do business with China? Or is the real difference that until we get cheap "stuff" from Israel and they pay for our expanding government debt, we cannot turn a blind eye?
The real big hypocrisy is as some have alluded to is our own country's history - Native Americans weren't real estate agents anxious to sell plots of land to Europeans. We took it from them every way we could. I guess you cannot call reservations concentration camps because we killed off so many Native Americans (war and disease) that there isn't that many of them to concentrate.
jocknavals (anonymous) says…
none2: whoa, dude...ok, cross out 'within living memory'. none of the mistreatments you mention were or are ok.