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October 22, 2007
Without Illusions
Fine analysis by Barry Rubin on the illusions of Middle East strategy in the West.
The alternative Western view of Middle East strategy—so influential in academic, media, and to some extent diplomatic circles—has a six-point program that boils down as:
Make deals with Iran, Syria, Hamas, and Hizballah; ally with Muslim Brotherhoods; and split Iran and Syria.
Those more extreme who advocate this approach are sympathetic to these forces, seeing them as more misunderstood victim than aggressive oppressor; the more moderate among them merely think the radicals can be moderated through concessions and confidence-building measures. In other words, they are not really adversaries but either already good guys or can be converted into playing that role.
By this analysis, those who claim these radical regimes and movements are dangerous due to their radical ideology, violent methods, and totalitarian goals are standing in the way of solving issues quickly, painlessly, and peacefully. They are warmongers perpetrating needless conflicts.
This analysis generates tremendous anger against the United States and Israel or anyone else who tries to explain that this approach will not work.
Too read the entire article, please click here.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at October 22, 2007 09:02 AM
Comments
Seraphic Secret is private property, that's right, it's an extension of our home, and as such, Karen and I have instituted two Seraphic Rules and we ask commentors to act respectfully.
1. No profanity.2. No Israel bashing. We debate, we discuss, we are respectful. You know what Israel bashing is. The world is full of it. Seraphic Secret is one of the few places in the world that will not tolerate this form of anti-Semitism. That's it. Break either of these rules and you will be banned.
"radicals can be moderated through concessions and confidence-building measures."
Remember the Manchester book on Churchill? Doesn't this sound exactly like the strategy pushed by Chamberlain and others? Hitler just felt surrounded and needed confidence....
Posted by: Katherine at October 22, 2007 11:53 AM
Katherine:
I remember the Manchester book vividly. And we are now living in 1938.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.seraphicpress.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at October 22, 2007 05:56 PM