Support for Israel

Submitted by Sigmund Derman (United States), Jul 23, 2014 at 11:16

It's interesting that not only the EU (http://www.vosizneias.com/171611/2014/07/16/brussels-eu-leaders-israel-has-right-to-defend-itself/) but also such a liberal as Bill Maher is speaking out in support of Israel (http://newsbusters.org/blogs/jack-coleman/2014/07/21/moment-moral-clarity-bill-maher-israel-vs-hamas).

Why? I hate it when bad things happen but sometimes the reaction to such events can be a bit of silver lining. Probably many reasons but one reason is that many people in what I might call the civilized world are starting to realize that we are all in it together. It's not just Islamism, it's other forms of totalitarianism such as what is coming from Russia. Shooting down a civilian plane, possibly deliberately. Surreptitiously supplying terrorists with arms. Even European liberals are beginning to worry that their families could be next on the list, their neighborhood could be taken over by a group like ISIS or, at least, a group such as the Russian separatists. Suddenly self-defense by civilized people is not such a bad thing.

But here's another reason…information. Gradually people are learning about totalitarian agendas, Islamist and others. I am convinced that dissemination of information, such as in done in this forum, has had a major effect.

Some months ago Dr. Pipes seemed to be questioning what he should do for the next 20 years. I would advise him to keep on with his major efforts. They are helping. Perhaps change the focus a little. Maybe more books. Perhaps some newer type of interactive online information. Perhaps teaching at smaller schools including junior colleges (the Harvards of the world reach only a few). But don't doubt that you are having a significant beneficial effect.

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