For the first post, I would like to write about what I see as one of Israel's biggest challenges - western thinking vs. (middle) eastern thinking.
Israel, as a democratic country (and although it has its share of problems, it still is), tries to affiliate itself with the western line of thought - meaning the (very important) ideas of freedom of speech, human rights and such. Following these ideas, Israel is bound to the international law and sensitive to criticism. Another characteristic of this line of thought is the belief that a dispute can be settled if you reach out a hand and make some compromises. Very simplified, this is the dominant line of thought of the most Israel critics, usually originating from West Europe and Liberal groups in America. This is also the Israeli left-wing line of thought.
On the other hand, there is the typical Middle Eastern way of thinking. This is a very different story, where "Balance of Power"way of thinking take the leading role. A compromise that would be suggested from the other-liberal side, will be understood as a sign of weakness from this side. In addition to that, pride is an important factor in the Middle East - losing face could change a decision that would seem the obvious rational solution in Western eyes. Again, extremely simplified but this is the dominant line of thought in the Middle East and among the Israeli right-wing.
Being part of the Middle East, Israel has to understand the "house rules" of the region. But playing by these regional rules, will often make it vulnerable to criticism from the west. This is what happened for example in the 2009 operation in the Gaza Strip. Israel retaliated for the Hamas rocket launching with a massive force, drawing immense criticism from the west (even including a demonstration against Israel in the university I study in!) but showing its neighbors that it is (still) the strongest player in the region, thus improving its deterrence abilities - notice the relative quite since the operation.
On the other hand, a very western oriented move - the disengagement from the Gaza strip a few years before that, was not perceived as it was meant - a trust building action, but as a sign of weakness, leading to the winning of the Hamas in the elections.
In this respect, Israel has to find the balance between the regional Middle Eastern language, and the Western language in which it wants to belong.
Being the first post, it very raw and generalist, but I hope it makes some sense. Please write me what you think - without comments the whole idea of the blog is lost.
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I never thought about it like this, and in a very general way, its true..I felt it and knew it, but never thought about it.
ReplyDeleteI think this problem is seen not just here, but all over. The problems the U.S.A has dealing with Iran, the problems of several european counries dealing with some of the muslim population, are all effects of the western head not understanding the middle eastern thinking, and still trying to handle them in a very western way.. which just doesnt work..
I am glad I could put in words what you already knew. I believe that a first stage to deal with a problem is to define it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely that this problem is not only local, but part of a bigger one. I probably should have mentioned it myself. The question is, where is the balance - when you still want (and with a very good reason) to keep your liberal ideologies, but have to speak a whole different language to be understood?
It's an intersting idea, which makes alot of sense. The big question, is when the liberal West will understand what Israel is facing? And I think Israel itself is struggling between these two different opinions, without making its mind and taking a distinct policy...
ReplyDeleteJust few comments -
Regarding the operation in Gaza, did you refer to Oferet Yezuka? 'cause that one took place last year, in 2009.
And I'm not too sure the the disingagement had too much with Hamas being elected. I think the main reason was the coruption of the Fatach.
Good luck with the new blog! It's interesting to see what you have to say, being an Israeli looking at Israel from outside :)
How embarrassing... I counted on my memory, which obviously served me wrong. I did mean 'Oferet Yezuka', and of course, it was in 2009. It is now fixed.
ReplyDeleteI too think that this duality is an important thing for Israeli decision makers to embrace and understand - not to be outsiders in our "neighborhood" but still setting our eyes towards the west. I wish that was the only reason for the indecisiveness of the Israeli leadership, but I am afraid that is not so (and maybe we will get to that in a future post).
About the elections in Gaza - although the reason I mentioned was not the only one, I believe it had some effect. The public in Gaza saw the disengagement as an Israeli defeat, a win to Hamas' terrorist policy. Combined with other factors, such as Fatah corruption that you mentioned, Hamas was able to win. Of course I didn't research it thoroughly, but I believe that such hypothesis can stand a deeper research.
And thank you :) I hope I will be able to keep it up.