Comments for The Middle East Discussion Group

Comment on Obama Shellacs Somali “Criminals” in Midnight Raid that Saves Two Hostages by Douglas H. Garrison

Douglas H. Garrison — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:40:41 +0000

Reblogged this on Mena House.

Comment on Egypt’s leadership problem by Altalena

Altalena — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:04:42 +0000

I think Islam in all the Arab countries presents challenges to what we regard as free societies. Even Turkey’s democracy, which held out so much hope & has tended to be used as an example of democracy in a Muslim society, is moving in the wrong direction as the Islamist government moves to silence the opposition.

Comment on Egypt’s leadership problem by duredhawk

duredhawk — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:49:23 +0000

Altalena, I think its interesting that you say Islam’s hold on Egypt’s population does not bode well for an open free society. Is that a criticism of Islam in general, or of its function in Egypt in particular? Oh and I think your right to identify the lack of institutions as a key problem. I was saying that the leadership can develop in the course of the revolution, but history favors your point: America, France, Russia, and Iran all had strong institutions. I’m not sure about China.

Comment on Egypt’s leadership problem by Altalena

Altalena — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:41:08 +0000

It appears that all the Arab countries have a similar problem. They do not have the institutions needed to support true democracy. Added to this is the hold that Islam has on the population which does not bode well for an open free society. It is sad that the courage & initiative of those who started the revolution will be pushed aside & it is hard to believe that the people will be any better off than they were before.

Comment on Issues in Iraq by duredhawk

duredhawk — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:09:10 +0000

Kara, if the problems in Iraq now grow into more widespread conflict, do you think the United States has any responsibility to reinsert itself? I suppose that between financial aid, military aid, and development deals the US does have some leverage to pressure Maliki to moderate his behavior. But if secular violence begins springing up again I’m not sure if the US has any capacity to act. On the Kurds, I’ve also heard it said that their reason for remaining part of Iraq is an interest in getting a cut from future natural resource exports. They would miss out if the push for any more autonomy than they already have.

Comment on Issues in Iraq by Kara

Kara — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:29:55 +0000

It’s definitely suspicious that these events have occurred in the few weeks since the U.S. withdrawal – I seriously doubt Maliki’s claims have any credibility. Well I don’t think the U.S. should have stayed longer (I’ve read numerous pieces detailing the opposition toward a continued presence voiced by many powerful and influential clerics, including Sadr), I’m nervous for the future. It’s interesting that the article mentioned Barzani and the Iraqi constitution, because in some of my latest research I’ve found that many Kurds feel threatened by what they see as Maliki’s desire to alter, in his belief, the “fluid” constitution. He supposedly thinks it needs updating, particularly to eliminate the option of federalism. Kurds argue the inclusion of that option was the only reason they supported the constitution in the first place.

Comment on Tunisia, Israel, and Syria – varying degrees of progress by duredhawk

duredhawk — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 17:03:31 +0000

@Herzl, your point is well taken. I think it is fair to say that if the majority of Israelis are proponents of actions against Gaza, then my tone, which suggests some duplicity on the part of Israeli leadership, is unfair. Could you post in a comment a link to an article about children not attending school because of the rocket attacks? On the settlements, I would respond to your point by saying that if the land they are being built on will eventually be in Israel regardless, then not waiting to build them seems like a careless decision that will add unneeded controversy to an already stalled peace process.

Comment on Tunisia, Israel, and Syria – varying degrees of progress by Herzl melmed

Herzl melmed — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:13:09 +0000

The comments by duredhawk show little understanding of what is happening in southern Israel. One would have hoped for improved relations after the deal with Shalit but this hasn’t happened. This has been followed by non stop rocket attacks from Gaza affecting all the main cities (Ashdod, Ashkelon & Beersheva) as well as all the smaller villages. Schools were meant to start but children have been unable to go because of these attacks from Gaza.
The IDF is being forced to consider a major action to stop the rockets because of pressure from these Israeli citizens demanding protection.
As for the building of “settlements” these are in the city of Jerusalem in areas which will be in Israel as & when the PA decide to negotiate. In this area there is enough blame to go around for both sides.

Comment on Ami Ayalon discussion post by Herzl melmed

Herzl melmed — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:03:53 +0000

A very interesting lecture from a man who has been at the center of Israeli security issues. His idea of a pragmatic alliance of M.E.States sounds good but with the total disarray in the M.E. at present I don’t see it happening-maybe when the dust settles.
Didn’t like his equating the Arab “Nakba” with the Jewish Holocaust. In my mind the Nakba for the Palestinians has been their refusal to recognize the Jewish claims to Palestine & condemning a whole generation to misery in their attempt to destroy Israel. If they chose to work with the Jews they would have prospered & had all the independence they desire.
His excuse for the events in Gaza is ellitist & sounds like pandering to the Palestinians for not holding the Palestinian leadership responsible for turning Gaza into a hotbed for terrorists & an ally of Iran. Again the Palestinians are being used by others for their own ends.
When we hear the Palestinians say they recognize Israel as the Homeland of the Jewish People (including the 650,000 Jews who were expelled from Arab lands) then all issues will suddenly become solvable.

Comment on Ami Ayalon discussion post by duredhawk

duredhawk — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:50:49 +0000

I just got back from the Ayalon lecture, and for me there were three things that stuck out. First was Ayalon’s depiction of settlements as the pioneers of the Zionist goal of creating a border for a recognized state. Having gained general recognition among Arabs by 2002, the settlements have accomplished their purpose. He views new settlements as unhelpful to the original goal, especially since it does not serve Israel to create an expanded boarder where included populations challenge the status of Jews as the majority. This point I agree with, and most of the international community would agree that new settlements must be halted.

Second, Ayalon described the Middle East as dominated by three competing powers, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran. His view is that Israeli security was based on a moderate Egypt, and that this can no longer be the basis for regional security. Now, Ayalon says, Israel must co-opt Turkey to create a regional alliance against Iran. Given Israel’s current relationship with Iran, this strategy seems less than ideal. Maybe Israel helping Turkey with yesterday’s earthquake will create some new goodwill. Also, I think Ayalon is wrong not to characterize the United States as the most dominant power in the Middle East (after all, who else could have successfully invaded Iraq?).

Finally, Ayalon said that Iran does represent a real existential threat to Israel. Then he said Israel must be fully prepared to encounter the challenge of nuclear weapons from Iran. Essentially, he hinted that Israel is wise to maintain a nuclear weapons capability. Ayalon also said that Israel cannot win an existential war alone, and that Arab allies against Iran can be found, but will only become allies if Israel solves its Palestinian problem. I agree with that second point, but again I’d say that Israel’s best ally will be the United States, and that in my view Israel needs to be wary of making policy decisions that test that relationship (which Ayalon suggested during the Q and A).