Re: An American commenting on Israeli Policy

Submitted by David Schoen (United States), Jul 28, 2008 at 21:24

Of Course Dr. Pipes is absolutely right and it is not only appropriate, but perhaps an imperative for him and others with something sensible to say to comment on such policies. The legitimate bases for this position are even more fundamental than the defenses he raises in his comments on the Schweitzer piece.

The exchange for kuntar reflects a policy with ramifications far beyond israel and Israel's security - although it undoubtedly will have profound and long-lasting significance in that area, emboldening and encouraging hizbollah and its ilk and virtually assuring the killing and likely celebratory and public sadism and then killing of future hostages whose taking will now be even greater sport for such creatures and who can now compete in gruesomeness and then for the value of currency in dead bodies or body parts. The policy put all civilized states who care about human life in danger. Further, a basic premise which permits such comment arises as well from the special mutually beneficial relationship between Israel and the diaspora.

No one would or should suggest Israel's decision was an easy one and undoubtedly it was not taken lightly. But there often arises a tension between private compelling interests (those of the families and their tragic losses and need for closure) and the broader interests of the State which must go beyond private interests and private closure to considering state sanctioned messages and future ramifications for its citizens and the world - but perhaps it citizens first.

Everyone understands the importance of letting all soldiers know they will not be left in the field; but how about the critically important message for which Israel was known 40 years ago and which it long since has abandoned - NEVER dealing with terrorists and engaging in trade for hostages. With the abandonment of that policy has been a steady policy deterioration with predicatable results. Moreover, the present times are even more problematic for important policy decisions and their ramifications for the entire government operates under the taint of scandal and corruption and that undercuts all credibility.

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