Destruction of Israel
When Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad voiced his desire to "wipe Israel off the face of the earth" a few weeks ago there was outrage. It was almost as if people in the west didn't know Arab countries hold any ill feeling towards Israel. But while the Occident expressed shock and horror at Ahmadinejad's comments, many in the Arab world will have payed them little attention, wishing for more than just empty rhetoric.To think of the troubles in the Middle East as a conflict between just Palestine and Israel is innaccurate, and dangerously misleading. While one after another American state figure visits the region, hoping their mere presence might help facilitate that elusive "peace process", resentment towards Israel continues across the Ummah.
A quick look at some of the history does not inspire much confidence in reconcilliation.
Back in 1948 it was only the Jews who actually accepted the UN's proposed nation states, claiming the independence of the state of Israel the same year. The Jewish people only constituted 1/6 of one per cent of the Arab world. Predictably, Arab states rejected the proposals, and before 1948 had finished, five Arab armies invaded the state of Israel. Jamal Husseini, of the Arab Higher Committee, vowed to soak "the soil of our beloved country with every last drop of our blood."
This graphic statement of intent reveals much of how many still feel, even today. Fact is, between Husseini's '48 outburst and Ahmadinejad's 2005 one, there have been countless examples of similar bloodthirsty rants.
In the Six Day War of 1967, Egyptian president Gamal Nassar explained his "basic objective (was) the destruction of Israel".
More disturbingly, Sheik Ahmad Halabaya, a vehemently anti-semitic character from Gaza, made the following outburst which was broadcast on Palestinian Authority television in October 2000:
"They (Jews) must be butchered and killed, as Allah the almighty said: fight them, Allah will torture them at your hands. Have no mercy on the Jews. Wherever you meet them, kill them."
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Now, I'm not suggesting that every Muslim who believes the "occupied state" (PA TV) of Israel must be returned to the Muslims also goes along with the above sentiments. The majority will argue the Jews should simply be 'evicted', moved on. But it is undeniable that there are many who do agree the destruction of Israel is absolutely necessary.
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Whether you are disgusted at the idea of the destruction of Israel or not is a matter for your conscience. But next time (and there will be a next time) a senior Arab figure expresses a desire to wipe the Jews off the map, do me a favour:
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Don't act surprised.
posted by Phu @ 1:31 pm
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