Israel/Palestine
In reply to the discussion: “What must be said” by Günter Grass [View all]shira
(30,109 posts)What grass has he been smoking?
Israel did not go to war against Iraq in 1981 when they took out Iraq's capability. Neither did Israel go to war against Syria in 2007 when they took out Syria's capability. The same would be true WRT Iran. Taking out their nuclear capability will not necessarily lead to war. It certainly doesn't mean Israel is looking to annihilate the people of Iran.
You've also proven your ignorance WRT Israel's "extreme rightwing leadership". Newsflash for you. Israel is way more liberal/progressive than the USA:
Gay rights, death penalty, healthcare, Israel started out socialist and still is (moreso than the USA), much more self critical media, very liberal court system, far better on environmental issues, leaders in stem cell research, better on immigration (for example from Ethiopia, Sudan), state subsidized public college tuition, better labor unions. Israel had its first Arab President back in 2007. Israel had a female PM back in the 70's named Golda Meir. The Knesset currently has Palestinian factions within it opposed to Israel's existance (the more secular Balad and the Islamist Raam Taal). Lastly, in combat Israel's civilian to militant kill ratio is significantly better than the USA and Israel isn't fighting wars thousands of miles away against nations posing no threat to its citizens.
In America, most of the above would be opposed by the GOP. The current government of Israel doesn't oppose any of the above. It's a lie trying to portray Israel (whether Labour, Kadima, or Likud is in charge) as hideously rightwing.
You can only dream that the GOP would aspire to be as liberal as the current Israeli government (which includes Left/Liberal Labourites like Shimon Peres and Ehud Barak).
And say what you will about Netanyahu. On his watch, Israel hasn't been in any wars. The USA under Obama is still in Afghanistan.
So here's the bottom line for you. Israel makes the USA look very rightwing in comparison. That's why the USA's democratic party supports Israel. It's not just the GOP. American Dems know how liberal Israel is.
I think the fact that Israel is way more liberal than America really makes you upset and exposes you as a hypocrite. But that's just my opinion.