Israel's safety and rights equal Pakistan's

Submitted by Matthew Kennel (United States), Nov 6, 2005 at 17:21

Perhaps an argument which may work in the Muslim world is to point out
how the existence and safety of the state of Israel is morally equal to that
of Pakistan.

The name of "Pakistan" didn't even exist before 1947 or so---both were created
in civil wars with expulsions and refugees going both ways. In both cases.

The idea that Israel doesn't deserve to exist is exactly like some Hinduist radicals
calling for the extinction of Pakistan and rousing up the families and descendants
of Hindus who left/were expelled from Pakistan to take it back over.

Yes, India and Pakistan have a major problem with Kashmir, but still India and the rest
of the planet doesn't declare Pakistan unfit for existence as a result.

It's interesting that the president of Pakistan apparently uniquely explicitly expressed support for the peaceful existence of Israel. Perhaps this parallel did not escape him: an aggressive campaign to delegitimize Israel would encourage a parallel action among the Hindu radicals in India.

(there are non-parallels, of course, with India, the larger surrounding country being
democratic and having a significant Muslim minority and Pakistan having few Hindus,
whereas it's Israel which is democratic and has a significant Arab minority).

---

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".