Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

What if Israel Disappeared?
Insight ^ | October 8, 2004 | Michael Glueck

Posted on 10/08/2004 8:50:35 PM PDT by quidnunc

For as long as there has been a State of Israel, there has been a temptation to believe that if Israel could somehow conveniently disappear — then the United States and the Arabs would have no major disagreements. It takes two to tangle, right? The Arab-Israeli conflict could be settled.

Witness the assessment of UPI columnist Claude Salhani who recently wrote that "Another crisis also worsening by the day is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict … which many analysts agree is the principal generator of anti-Western feeling in the region."

Fifty years ago, this notion may have held a certain plausibility. We had no major entanglements, indeed few contacts of any kind beyond the oil business. And many Arabs viewed us favorably, if only because we made the right noises about British and French imperialism. Perhaps even ten years ago, a comprehensive peace and the establishment of an independent Palestine might have dampened, if not eliminated, the hostility.

No more. Today, the destruction of Israel is only one item on a long Jihadi check-list. And it's vital to be clear about two things: IsraelÌs significance in this new situation and how, in the long run, Israel and the United States (and the civilized world) can triumph together.

-snip-

(Excerpt) Read more at insightmag.com ...


TOPICS: Editorial; Extended News; Foreign Affairs; Israel; War on Terror
KEYWORDS:
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 121-136 next last

1 posted on 10/08/2004 8:50:35 PM PDT by quidnunc
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: quidnunc

What if Israel Disappeared?
Posted October 8, 2004
By Michael Glueck

For as long as there has been a State of Israel, there has been a temptation to believe that if Israel could somehow conveniently disappear -- then the United States and the Arabs would have no major disagreements. It takes two to tangle, right? The Arab-Israeli conflict could be settled.

Witness the assessment of UPI columnist Claude Salhani who recently wrote that "Another crisis also worsening by the day is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. . . which many analysts agree is the principal generator of anti-Western feeling in the region."

Fifty years ago, this notion may have held a certain plausibility. We had no major entanglements, indeed few contacts of any kind beyond the oil business. And many Arabs viewed us favorably, if only because we made the right noises about British and French imperialism. Perhaps even ten years ago, a comprehensive peace and the establishment of an independent Palestine might have dampened, if not eliminated, the hostility.

No more. Today, the destruction of Israel is only one item on a long Jihadi check-list. And it's vital to be clear about two things: IsraelÌs significance in this new situation and how, in the long run, Israel and the United States (and the civilized world) can triumph together.

Sometimes, an anecdote reveals more than a policy tome.

"A few years ago," says Philip Gold, Seattle-based author of Take Back the Right, "Burger King opened a kosher restaurant in East Jerusalem. Bad publicity in the U.S. and the threat of a worldwide Arab boycott forced them to close the outlet. I remember reading the statement of one Palestinian cleric who shrugged it off. He said, '"Who cares if it's Jerusalem or Madrid? It's all Islamic land."'

And there be the essence of the Jihadi agenda. It's all Islamic land . . . and all the world a stage for the forcible subjugation and/or conversion of the human race. Few Islamic radicals, from Falluja to France, hide the fact that the establishment of a new Umma under Islamic law is their ultimate goal. Their publications and their web sites proclaim it clearly and proudly. And however delusional the quest may seem to us, it's not a good idea to ignore the goals of people ready to kill and die for them.

In this sense, were Israel to disappear, terrorism against the West would probably not decrease but rather increase: one less target to absorb their enmity, yet another victory to encourage them. The Israeli land of milk and honey would soon be destroyed. Perhaps like Lebanon there would emerge dueling suicide bombers from all factions.

But Israel is unlikely to disappear. And it's important to understand why. Her nuclear deterrent makes a difference, of course. So does the sorrowful fact that, did Israel (and the United States) not exist, the Arabs would have to invent them in order to explain away their own failures and excesses.

Israeli expertise is invaluable to us at all levels, from intelligence to tactical operations. And lets not forget that the true motivator of Jihad wasn't Israel but Afghanistan, where for the first time in centuries, Islamic fighters beat a major power. Yes with our help -- but we abandoned them literally the day after the last Russian soldier left.

According to Gold many on the domestic Left and in the so-called world community liken the Israelis to Nazis. This is nonsense. If the Israelis were Nazis, there would have been a lot more territory-grabbing and a Palestinian "Final Solution" long ago, and the Left and the UN wouldn't have done a darn thing about it. What the Israelis have done is keep the situation under control, not so much by violence, as by their very option to withdraw from the West Bank and Gaza.

Everybody knows that would result in a Palestinian civil war that would probably be won by the most radical and violent sects. The Israelis don't want that. Neither do many Palestinians. That may be one reason why Israeli intelligence is so good, why they've been able to get the information and do those targeted killings. He believes there must be an independent State of Palestine and believes it matters who runs it. So do a lot of Palestinians.

In essence, the Israelis are hanging on, pending the rise of some group or faction or individual capable of making peace and preventing Palestinian civil war. But is there any reason to believe this could happen, or that the West could help bring it about?

Yes. And therein may lie some hope for America's struggle against
terrorism.

Michael Arnold Glueck, M.D., is a multiple-award-winning writer who comments on medical-legal and allied policy issues.


2 posted on 10/08/2004 8:51:32 PM PDT by Slings and Arrows (Am Yisrael Chai!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: quidnunc

I kinda hope that the Muslims push Israel over the edge. I know that if that happens, then a lot of Israelis would have died, but I really want Israel to just finish off this ridiculousness.


3 posted on 10/08/2004 8:53:02 PM PDT by zahal724 (I own a lumber company?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: quidnunc
For as long as there has been a State of Israel, there has been a temptation to believe
that if Israel could somehow conveniently disappear — then the United States and
the Arabs would have no major disagreements. It takes two to tangle, right?
The Arab-Israeli conflict could be settled.


Anyone naive enough to swallow that proposition need only look at The Sudan
and other Islamic paradises.
(Don't let the word "Arab" fool you; this is about Muslims, even if some Arabs
are Christian. Increasingly that demographic is living in the USA)

When the Arabs/Muslims get rid of Israel, they'll just push for more territory,
extending Eurabia as far as possible.
And then we'll have that wonderful world of Islam: First-Class Muslims
raping, exploiting and murdering Second-Class Muslims.
4 posted on 10/08/2004 8:54:40 PM PDT by VOA
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: quidnunc

Israel will NOT disappear. Prophecy guarantees it.


5 posted on 10/08/2004 8:56:04 PM PDT by mywholebodyisaweapon
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Slings and Arrows

OK, I like the point about Jihadis thinking all land is muslim land. And that if israel didn't exist the muslims would have to come up with some other excuse for their failures.

But why the unexplained surety that Israel will survive? This is not a given at all. It's something we will have to fight for, not to simply stand back and pretend it will exist no matter what. Iran is getting nukes, and Pakistan recently gave them away like candy. Isn't it inevitable for muslim terrorists to get nuclear bombs? How is Israel supposed to defend itself with any surety? Nuclear deterrance assumes you know which country hit you and you hit the people who did it to you. What if the mullahs in Iran sneak a few weapons to some terrorist groups? Given Iran's very extensive support of terrorist groups, I think THAT is a given. Let's help israel to survive by fighting for it, and being honest about the threats.


6 posted on 10/08/2004 8:56:25 PM PDT by Mount Athos
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: mywholebodyisaweapon
Israel will NOT disappear. Prophecy guarantees it.

And you better believe it too!!

One certain prophecy say to the effect: If you can make the sun from rising from the east and setting in the west, then my covenant with my people Israel will be broken.

I'm sorry if this offends anyone here but ONLY ISRAEL is guaranteed a future as far as GOD is concerned. ISRAEL's enemies (Syria, IRAN, EYGPT, etc) will be judged and destroyed. One of the earliest covenant recorded was the Abramhic covenant which says "Those who blesses you I will bless, those who curse you I will curse".
In light of how we've seen a lot of countries do harm to Israel through terrorism or trade tarrifs/sanctions, it may seem that nothing happens to them now but inevitably they WILL suffer for it.

7 posted on 10/08/2004 9:05:56 PM PDT by prophetic (What do u call someone who flip-flops so much? A Politician? No, a HYPOCRITE!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: mywholebodyisaweapon
Israel will NOT disappear. Prophecy guarantees it.

Where was it in the year 1930?

8 posted on 10/08/2004 9:06:44 PM PDT by Grey Ghost II
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: zahal724

"Peace through Victory"


9 posted on 10/08/2004 9:06:51 PM PDT by Wiggins
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: mywholebodyisaweapon
"Israel will NOT disappear. Prophecy guarantees it

Oh for the love of all that is sacred and holy!

Israel as portrayed in the NEW TESTAMENT is symbolic of CHRISTIANS!!!!!!

NOT Jews who reject Jesus as the Son of God. READ THE BIBLE, and turn off the Pentecostal faith healers!

10 posted on 10/08/2004 9:06:51 PM PDT by Windsong (FighterPilot)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: prophetic

Amen Brother (or Sister, whichever the case may be)!


11 posted on 10/08/2004 9:07:20 PM PDT by mywholebodyisaweapon
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Windsong

Nope. Replacement theology ignores the prophecies that have not yet come to pass. The Church is not the real Israel. Stop reading the Westminster Confession and read the real thing.


12 posted on 10/08/2004 9:08:57 PM PDT by mywholebodyisaweapon
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: quidnunc

The bloody borders of Islam would take over. There would be a major push against India and whatever parts of Africa were not muslim. Then they would move on to Europe and we would see massive terroist attacks in this country(USA) similar to what you see in Isreal now.


13 posted on 10/08/2004 9:09:11 PM PDT by SengirV
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: VOA
Here is my question about Israel & the Jews. God formed a sacred covenant with the Jewish people via Moses. However, as a Christian, I believe that the only salvation is thru faith in Christ (John 3.16) - this is the "new" covenant.

Has the coming of Christ has superseded the old covenant of God with the Jews? And insofar as the Jews do not accept the divinity of Christ, what is their standing vis a vis the Father? Which is the relevant covenant for our Jewish brethern?

This is an honest question, intended only for Jews & Christians of good faith. If you are a troll, or an atheist, don't answer.

14 posted on 10/08/2004 9:09:26 PM PDT by Teplukin
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: Windsong

please read ROMANS 10


15 posted on 10/08/2004 9:09:30 PM PDT by prophetic (What do u call someone who flip-flops so much? A Politician? No, a HYPOCRITE!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: prophetic
In light of how we've seen a lot of countries do harm to Israel through terrorism or trade tariffs/sanctions, it may seem that nothing happens to them now but inevitably they WILL suffer for it.

Tell me you are joking? God will destroy countries who impose tariffs on Israel?

16 posted on 10/08/2004 9:09:36 PM PDT by Grey Ghost II
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Teplukin
Which is the relevant covenant for our Jewish brethern?

The New Covenant was for everyone. I don't recall there being any grandfather clauses.

17 posted on 10/08/2004 9:11:07 PM PDT by Grey Ghost II
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: Teplukin

It's a very good question. Individuals must belong to Jesus Christ to be saved. But the nation of Israel will be preserved through the remnant (believing Jews).

Most Jews and Christians do not know it or will not acknowledge it, but Jesus IS Jehovah. The "Angel of the Lord" spoken of so often in the Old Testament is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.


18 posted on 10/08/2004 9:13:50 PM PDT by mywholebodyisaweapon
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: VOA

These are the same people who say their is no terror threat. If 911 was all that happened these past few years they may have a bit of an argument. They also claim its America's doing. Really? What about Kashmir? What about 2 attacks in Moscow these past years? What about the Philippines? These guys look more and more like fools after every terrorist attack. They are latter day Noam Chomsky's who denied the murders in Cambodia.


19 posted on 10/08/2004 9:14:42 PM PDT by Lord Nelson
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: quidnunc
What if Israel Disappeared?

The Jihadis would be emboldened, and turn on the "crusaders." They have a nice saying over there "First the Saturday people, and then the Sunday people." (Translation: Kill the Jews, then the Christians)

Actually, they believe that their end of days will not come about unless they kill Jews, and trees come alive and yell "there is a Jew behind me, come kill him!"

See here: http://www.islam-qa.com/QA/1|Basic_Tenets_of_Faith(Aqeedah)/Al-Walaa'_wal-Baraa'_(Alliance_and_Amity,_Disavowal_and_Enmity)/Why_can't_the_Jews_and_Muslims_live_together_in_peace.30011999.1098.shtml

Sick Koranimals.

Islam = Terror.

20 posted on 10/08/2004 9:16:00 PM PDT by USF
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 121-136 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson