First, let me express my appreciation of your way of expressing yourself - calmly and without resorting to personal insults - dispite our differing opinions.
>> Your statement is favouritism.
> My statement is "Human Nature."
The issue here is that a state is not the same thing as a human being. A state has to make long term plans for the welfare of its citizens, on a level far deeper than the human gut instincts that you are citing. America's unconditional support of Israel is a major reason why the Arab people hate it. It is a major reason why radical groups like Al Qaeda manage to recruit young people by the hundreds. So, the American State's extreme favouritism of Israel in the Middle East has not worked in effect for the long term welfare of its citizens, if it has prompted nations in the region to attack US citizens and interests around the world. That was my point. Otherwise, I realize human nature is for favouring that which is similar to oneself. It just is not a good idea for a country.
> I have tried to figure out the reason the Europeans,
> generally, are on the side of the Arabs, when, from
> a cultural standpoint, they should be on the side of
> Israel.
This is exactly the kind of statement that winds Europeans up :)
Try to think of it this way: European culture is more idealistic than this (or "Utopian", in your words) and they would not be caught dead supporting another country just for cultural proximity, especially when that country is oppressing a minority (for whatever reason). They are not on the side of Arabs. It could be the Chinese in place of the Palestinians and their aversion to Sharon's policies would not change.
> I suspect that the difference between Europe and America
> on this point is different levels of Anti-Semitism.
Sooner or later the Jewish people will have to come to terms with the fact that the majority of the people on earth are neither Anti-Semite nor For-Semite. For the most part, we are indifferent to their religion. It is not their religion and culture that is offensive, it is their current politics under Sharon.
Criticism of Israel's current policies under Sharon has nothing to do with anti-Semitism. Just like criticism of the current Bush administration is not anti-Americanism. |
