Israel Must Adjust to a Changing Middle East -Moshe Arens [pictured]
Diamonds may be forever, but treaties with dictators are not.
We must realize that the facts on the ground around us are changing, and that there may yet be more changes in the wind. It is time for a reappraisal of pre-conceived ideas.
This is not a time to throw caution to the wind. This is not a time to withdraw to the 1949 armistice lines. It is not a time for "daring political initiatives." It is a time for watching and waiting to see how things are going to turn out. It is a time to think how we are going to assure the security of Israel's citizens in the southern part of the country from daily rocket attacks, and make sure that those living in the north and the center of the country do not share their fate.
It is a time to put away the placards calling for "Peace Now."
(Ha'aretz)
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5 comments:
First, it's telling that such an op-ed would come from Haaretz, which tends towards the more peacenik point of view. Second, it has been clear to many of us that the Arab Spring would be dangerous for Israel. The unknown is often more frightening than the known. Take Libya; The west will be happy with Qaddafi being deposed. However, the rebels have already pledged to lead their country through the use of Sharia. If that is the case, then what was truly gained? This is just one of countless examples.
Arens also called for an end to the tent protests...I edited that out...not sure why he swiped the housing protests in the same breath.
Certainly there is no impetus to rush into any accords these days. Hard to say where all of this will lead and Israel is right to be cautious. Not sure anyone is going to press them for a peace initiative at the moment anyway.
Except there is pressing from the EU, The Quartet, President Obama & Hilary Clinton.
There has been pressure. I think Obama thought the beginning of the "Arab Spring" was the right time to make his grand gesture at Israel's expense. But I am not sure the expectations on the EU or Americans behalf has remained the same since NATO got so involved in Libya and Syria became another flashpoint for citizenry abuse.
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