Kesher Talk

Conscientious objectors in the Grey Old Lady: Ishai Menuchin, chairman of Yesh Gvul, a group of IDF soldiers refusing to serve, writes an op-ed in the New York Times Saying No to Israel's Occupation.

Israel's "Vietnam Syndrome": Ira Chernus argues that Israel is developing the equivalent of America's old foreign policy affliction, 'Vietnam Syndrome.' Cute, but a paltry analogy. Ira uses it to clamor for Israeli withdrawal from "Palestine." But he trivializes the war and what the Palestinians are inflicting every day.

Vietnam syndrome grew out of public disenchantment, not military reality. America's abandonment of Vietnam had many repercussions, but aside from perhaps lengthening the Cold War, surrender in Indochina did not imperil the mainland U.S. directly. And the conflict never involved Vietcong suicide bombers blowing up New York City. That is what Israel faces.

The "backlash" to Israeli policies cannot be as threatening as the day-to-day violence Israeli citizens face.

posted by Howard @ 3/11/2002 01:31:37 PM