Leftist + Islamist connection re: Israel

Submitted by SeanR (United States), Feb 2, 2007 at 06:30

"...follows the disrupters outside as they chant "anti-Israel" in conjunction with other slogans, such as "anti-oppression," "anti-racism," and "anti-hate." At one point, at 12:00, the leader predicts that 'it's just a matter of time before the State of Israel will be wiped off the face of the map'"

I am baffled by the Leftists' support for the Islamists. As these video show, the Islamists are quite passionate about "wiping Israel of the map." Whether or not they imply decimation or expulsion of Jews in Israel, or rather for it to seize being a nation is irrelevant; the latter implies the former. The one-state "solution" favoring the elimination of Israel is ultimately pro-oppression, pro-racism, and pro-hate, exactly what Leftists claim to be opposed to. So why aren't they clamoring for a two-state solution?

Do these leftists believe a calm, democratic, coexistence between the two peoples is possible in a one-state solution having large Jewish and Arab populations that are ideologically incongruent? My impression is the Leftists have no rational solution to the problem, but are passionate about ending what they conveniently defined to be "European colonists" oppressing "noble savages," regardless of the accuracy of this, at the expense of the Israelis, both Jewish and Arab. They also assert that Israel is to blame for the Middle East's troubles and that Israel has forced the US into policies against its own interests. It makes for a simple solution to the problems we face: destroy Israel, presumably by economic and political starvation. There will be no enduring fight against radical Islam, "a government invention," and we will have "peace in our time."

Moreover, in this region, Israel appears to be the one nation that can be cajoled into new policies, sometimes at its own expense, and in collaboration with other nations, including the US, which provides them aid. On the other hand, Egypt receives about the same amount of US aid, yet makes little progress in instituting democratic governance, an open economy, or any other reforms.

Egypt's status as a racist, tyrannical state is indisputable, yet when is the last time there was a "Divest from Egypt" campaign, like those targeting Israel, for the US to cut all aid and investment, held on a college campus? Ultimately, this must be construed by Israel's enemies as a sign of weakness. The leftists, like the Islamists, are simulated by this. Americans and Europeans are doing a great disservice to Israel by meddling in their politics, or at least by making their collaboration widely known, as the Swiss have done recently with their comments regarding peace talks, and the Spanish calling for another Madrid. Further, Israeli politicians need to take a united stance for once. I can't believe people with so much at stake are being utterly careless politically and, as Mr. Pipes said, with their media.

Mr. Pipes suggested Israel and its supporters inform people who are "on the fence." Unfortunately, my experience on college campuses has been that few supporters of Israel are prepared to aggressively combat the MSU's anti-Israel campaigns. Many organizations are content with defensive actions and sometimes even promoting MSU events laced with anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic undertones so that their organizations appear neutral. Meanwhile, the MSU builds "apartheid walls" and posts pictures of injured/dead Palestinians to make their side look like innocent victims, and the Israelis as deserving of terrorism, or at the very least abrogate the Palestinians of responsibility for their barbaric actions. People should be more proactive in exposing the savagery of Palestinians and Arab regimes. Many people are not aware of how bad things are - with Qassams fired into Israel (despite a truce!), corruption among Palestinians, inter-Palestinian violence and barbarism, and massive aid given to Palestinians by the US, EU, and UN - in addition to the suicide bombings. Shedding light onto this should make people question the motives of the MSU, CAIR, and other anti-Israel, and arguably pro-terror, Muslim groups. There can also be no disputing that radical Islam is a threat and that appeasement will ultimately fail.

On one hand, I am optimistic that if Israel were to take a hard-line, unwaivering stance, like Mr. Pipes suggests, and not be doubted or circumvented by US and EU politicians, the problem would be solved and both sides would benefit. However, with leaders like Olmert, Livni, et al. and a large liberal self-hating constituency, I doubt it will happen anytime soon.

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