Showing posts with label israeli government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label israeli government. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Mid-afternoon Coffee Snack
Since the Egypt theme has been dominating the news cycle in the last few days, let's go for an Egypt themed song from one of my favourite Israeli songwriters.
Meir Ariel - Avarnu et Par'oh
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Why does the Israeli Left hate Barak?
In 1998, Barak was the left's rising star. Their prime candidate to replace Netanyahu at the premiership and get the "Peace Process" on track. He was a highly decorated soldier, a former Chief of Staff and the darling of the media. So what did he do to become derided by his own party, hated by the media?
Barak made an effort to arrive at a conclusion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by offering Arafat a comprehensive offer that included major chunks of the old city of Jerusalem, and a state on over 95% of the West Bank and Gaza. Arafat's response was a stern rejection and unleashing a wave of terror on the Israeli population. Barak was unable to resolve the situation, the Israeli economy and Sharon was elected. Barak was sent to political 'exile' (during which he made a nice sum in the private sector).
I think that Barak is so badly derided because he managed to expose Arafat's true intentions. They are worried that he will not be willing to make the same risks again. That's why he is hated.
Those who know me, know that I was never a fan of Barak. For him it was never about ideology but all about opportunism. His recent split is understandable simply due to the intense barage he was subjected to by his own party.
Barak made an effort to arrive at a conclusion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by offering Arafat a comprehensive offer that included major chunks of the old city of Jerusalem, and a state on over 95% of the West Bank and Gaza. Arafat's response was a stern rejection and unleashing a wave of terror on the Israeli population. Barak was unable to resolve the situation, the Israeli economy and Sharon was elected. Barak was sent to political 'exile' (during which he made a nice sum in the private sector).
I think that Barak is so badly derided because he managed to expose Arafat's true intentions. They are worried that he will not be willing to make the same risks again. That's why he is hated.
Those who know me, know that I was never a fan of Barak. For him it was never about ideology but all about opportunism. His recent split is understandable simply due to the intense barage he was subjected to by his own party.
Netanyahu: 'Significant trade' with Iraq - Israel News, Ynetnews
I found this slightly old Ynet article that I believe reflects on the real intentions of the Netanyahu government.
It's almost as if he sees the prosperity of the Arab world as a precondition for long term prosperity of Israel. If only Palestinian leaders cared as much as Netanyahu does for the Palestinians, perhaps things would be better?
-QP
Pointing to what he described as "strong but unpublicized trade" between Haifa port and Iraq via Jordan, he suggested assembly points could be set up in the West Bank for some goods, which would create thousands of jobs. He did not elaborate on the nature or extent of the trade.
According to the prime minister, this would not be a substitute for a political settlement, but economic prosperity would make peace possible, as occurred in Northern Ireland.It seems that Israel would rather build economical connections and quiet relations than expect immediate social acceptance. The intentions of Netanyahu indicate that he he honestly wants to see the Palestinians and other countries in the area prosper.
It's almost as if he sees the prosperity of the Arab world as a precondition for long term prosperity of Israel. If only Palestinian leaders cared as much as Netanyahu does for the Palestinians, perhaps things would be better?
-QP
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Air Freshener Politics
Today, the new ministers from Barak's Independence party were sworn in. The Israeli Knesset has authorized this cabinet reshuffle.
Kadima, the official opposition has refered to Barak's recent move as the 'Stinking Maneuver' (the Hebrew equivalent of a dirty trick). How did they protest it? With ideas? A coherent argument?
No...!
Equipped with props, members of the opposition sprayed air freshener to protest the move. Perhaps they are forgetting that Kadima was formed as a sort of a dirty trick when Sharon could not convince his own party to adopt a policy that was strictly against its own mandate. One can argue that Barak's move is irresponsible to his own voters. But if so, he will pay for it in the next election!
This does not change the fact that anyone who acts in such a childish manner in his country's national Parliament, where he acts as an elected representative of the people, is making a mockery of the country's laws, its institutions and its people. The left in Israel has lost its mandate and they are currently ideologically bankrupt. Resorting to vigorous hand waving is all they are capable of.
As to Barak's move: The Old Left wing of the Labour party has been threatening to throw him out for quite some time. Barak learned from his own experience where populist social welfare promises and international policy based on appeasement can lead. So what is he accused off? Leaving his party before they get the opportunity to shamelessly throw him out?
What's next? Horns and Buzzers to turn the Knesset into a soccer stadium?
-QP
Kadima, the official opposition has refered to Barak's recent move as the 'Stinking Maneuver' (the Hebrew equivalent of a dirty trick). How did they protest it? With ideas? A coherent argument?
No...!
Equipped with props, members of the opposition sprayed air freshener to protest the move. Perhaps they are forgetting that Kadima was formed as a sort of a dirty trick when Sharon could not convince his own party to adopt a policy that was strictly against its own mandate. One can argue that Barak's move is irresponsible to his own voters. But if so, he will pay for it in the next election!
This does not change the fact that anyone who acts in such a childish manner in his country's national Parliament, where he acts as an elected representative of the people, is making a mockery of the country's laws, its institutions and its people. The left in Israel has lost its mandate and they are currently ideologically bankrupt. Resorting to vigorous hand waving is all they are capable of.
As to Barak's move: The Old Left wing of the Labour party has been threatening to throw him out for quite some time. Barak learned from his own experience where populist social welfare promises and international policy based on appeasement can lead. So what is he accused off? Leaving his party before they get the opportunity to shamelessly throw him out?
What's next? Horns and Buzzers to turn the Knesset into a soccer stadium?
-QP
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