What’s strange about this story is that for years we’ve not heard anything in the MSM about praise in Israel for the American effort in Iraq. In fact, we heard suggestions, though not quotes, that Israelis were opposed. Now, the day before Bush leaves office, we have a ringing endorsement of the Bush policy in Iraq from one Israeli who you wouldn’t necessarily expect to do so: the doddering old left-leaning Shimon Peres. Well, if Peres feels that way toward Bush, I’d be pretty certain that the feeling is very widespread among both the Israeli political class and the Israeli population as a whole.
I remember during the election, one of those “world wide polls” showed Israel was the only country that had McCain beating Obama. I get the impression Bush is pretty popular there. In fact I believe Bush is generally liked in alot of places, Eastern Europe, parts of Asia and India, Western Africa. Not that I think Americans should be seeking worldwide approval for it’s own sake. But I think the whole “the world hates Bush” notion was just pumped up by the media.
Thanks for the ping!
I’m fairly certain that the inference is “If only what you did to Saddam was done to Hitler” implies “If only what you did to Saddam you would’ve done to Ahmedinejad”.
I’m pretty sure the Israelis were broadly supportive of President Bush’s foreign policy in Iraq. Vocally so in the early years. But the Israeli critics who use ‘neocon’ as a euphemism for Jew probably made many Israelis - esp in government - keep a lower profile about their support.
But of course Israel had plenty of its own problems all along. Remember when Saddam paid $25k to the families of suicide bombers? How many suicide bombers since the fall of Saddam? Maybe Israel’s barrier had more to do with it, nevertheless how could Israelis not be happy at the fall of Saddam?
A more democratic, pluralistic, less radical middle east is good for Israel. They know it. We know it. It doesn’t need to be said daily. Unfortunately neither the US nor the EU, apply this to their policies towards the Palestinians.
Aw c'mon. You know nothing that did not fit the hate Bush, anti-American template was never going to see print during the President's tenure.