Opinion
The American mistake
Alex Fishman
Published: 15.10.12, 11:05
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1. The American Mistake
Maurice Roumani,prof ,   Jerusalem, Israel   (10.15.12)
I could not agree more with Alex. Two years ago I was in Washington and met Dennis Ross at the Holocaust Museum and I echoed the same words of Alex: The Americans do not understand the Middle East which means the nuances of their culture and politics. This is despite the fact that US universities and colleges are replete of professors in Midddle East Studies. American policy makers have not internalized the Middle Eastern mentality even in simulation exercises. Hence the failure of American policy in the Middle East although one has to admit is one of the few regions in the world that has been so elusive in coming to terms or affecting significant changes.
2. I agree 100 percent Americans don't understand ME mentality
(10.15.12)
Send this article to Romneys campaign. Obama wont learn more he is closed to his own ideaas.
3. Über smart American Jews are incapable of understanding it&'
ab   (10.15.12)
ll vote Bambi.
4. Understanding
Anshel ,   Canada   (10.15.12)
It is absolutely true that the American establishment, military intelligence, CIA, are not willing to adjust their thinking to the reality on the ground. Hence, their failures in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan, supporting the "wrong horse" in Egypt. The problem with Americans is that they are not willing even to listen to the experts with knowledge about the Arab/Muslim culture and thinking. I even heard from reliable sources that at least the British were willing to listen while in Iraq and had part of the territory under their control practically free from sectarian violence, experienced in the rest of Iraq, for example. Also, that the current administration is totally clueless, serves the example that they did nothing during the "green" revolution, after the presidential election in Iran. Same goes for Afghanistan, instead of constant apologies to the corrupt Karzai, the Americans are showing to the Afganis that they are weak and encourages the Taliban to their bravado after 11 years of being there.
5. At that level of play nobody makes that simple "mistake":the
tom ,   tel aviv   (10.15.12)
alarming fact is that US administration is making an educated decision to support jihad out of perceived self-interest. Maybe they know something about post Dec. 21-st World situation?!!!
6. #2 Romney
(10.15.12)
Romney understands. In a meeting with voters, Romney predicted this scenario. In response, Obama's people blasted Romney for putting his foot in his mouth. For Obama, telling the truth is putting your foor in your mouth.
7. Red lines...hmmm...and what NOW?????
Chris Rettenmoser ,   Bayerisch Gmain Germ   (10.15.12)
8. Red Line was Reached Just how bright is it
Martin ,   SA   (10.15.12)
In th Holey Land of Israel we have the Torah Spiritual leaders and politicians together with hardened soldiers either in service or retired whom are quite concerned with the state of play. In America i would say Scouts are trained to tye belt and braces. Also scouts Honour. This culture seems to have faded away a lot. Perhaps some of these American and International scouts need to tighten belts and pull up their braces for the sake of achieving a focused view of little nuisance countries like say iran. What does it take for world leaders to get an early or even latish wake-up call? Resposible people seem to be coluur blind. Can any-one see the light?
9. The American Mistake
Rica ,   Florida, USA   (10.15.12)
Mr. Fishman, I couldn't agree with you more. What really strikes me is, the continuation of naivety , the Jewish population in the US continue to demonstrate by planing to vote again, for this present administration.
10. Bomb, Bomb, Bomb ...
Jersey Jew ,   New Jersey, USA   (10.15.12)
perhaps Israelis & blind supporters who are always screaming military, diplomatic and economic attacks on Israel's neighbors, even residents, while screaming no communication helps create, enable and accelerate her own increasing survival risks. Then again, 'tis profitable 4many screamers, eh? Does bribing dictators like Mubarak and their associates, enabling them to brutally repress their own people, really make sense in the loong run? Same 4Israel ... do Americans, the world and even Israelis really benefit from our USA enabling Israel to behave recklessly wrt her neighbors & residents? Of course, all peoples under constant aggression for generations eventually rebel repeatedly until successful, eh? Wouldn't you???
11. Israel depends on America too much
sheik rattle & roll ,   USA   (10.15.12)
It should learn to rely on itself or better yet enlist the Russians or Chinese to fight the Iranians or get them to provide aid and use there VETO. America will never understand the ME, so maybe Israel should look for somebody else to sponge off of. America has it's own interest and time frames and so does Israel. We respect your decision to do what ever you want, however we have a right to back you or not and that should be respected. You owe us nothing and we owe you nothing.
12. Who are Israelis to give advice?
esse ,   --   (10.15.12)
A completely ridiculous article that points, among other things, to why Israel is in so much trouble. Israel is absolutely dispised by all its neighbors. Most EU nations can't stand it and Russia and China actively support nations which seek Israel's destruction. And the author has the audacity to say the US is naive and doesn't understand the Mid East? If Israelis were so wise they would have long ago found a way to prevent constant attacks from those around it (instead all they offer up are excuses they always blame others--much like a young children do.) The kind of thinking expressed in the article (and agreed to by the many fools that post here) is exactly why Israel is setting itself up for forever war--and all it takes is for Israel to lose one major war and it's gone. Israeli arrogance is holding it back. Only when a nation begins to actively question its actions can it change for the better. Perhaps its understandable that such an immature nation would make a mess of things. But it's still pathetic (and some say laughable) to watch Israel continues to dig itself deeper and deeper in a hole. At the bottom of the hole is the one thing that Israel's enemies have been dreaming about for years: Israel losing the strong backing of the US. THAT, more than anything else, is an existential threat to Israel and only Israeli arrogance prevents it from seeing this.
13. Understanding Iran
John Holladay ,   Plano, Tc\x USA   (10.15.12)
I think the threads saying "America" does nto understand - let me make it very clear. Obama and Biden are not"America"- they are part of it. Many do understand. Someone needs to read this to Biden - since he can't or won't read for himself.
14. Bomb ....#12
MONA ,   US   (10.15.12)
You are so hateful....,is that all you know,bombing ,killing ,It's 21st century ,be civilized, I forgot,I gess you never be able to,
15. i finally agree 100% with this op-es from ynet
the mad Zionist ,   sf-ny-is   (10.15.12)
Thank you, now if only someone can explain this to Obama or biden. In due time, a competent president like Romney will be in power, but he'll have to clean their mess. He's gonna have to come in with his a-game, and thankfully he has experience working across party lins and can get things done instead of blaming everyone else. But the sanctions are working to a certain extent, but in my mind its a little too late,the Iranians are already there if not already. It's sad, if only Obama could have pieced together that, Iranians+ enriched uranium Will = more civilian deaths, but then again, his administration led about benghazi only to make it seem like al-qaeda is on its heels. Obama has been the worst president ever. Atleast the EU has done good things in terms of following along with sanctions. In glad the sanctions have had some effects, but i think the Iranians are too close right now. The picky thing that will stop them is a missile barrage on their reactors, and at the same time take out their leaders in a very well calculated time and hit. I know it goes against the rules of engagement, but rules don't apply to one's that don't follow rules in my book. Take them out more and their leaders, so innocent civilians won't get killed, and how for a coup....the mossad should be actively preparing the coup as we speak so when it happens its an orchestra. Jake
16. Lol
Thomas the Doubter ,   USA   (10.15.12)
Even though the author is completely correct on the American failure to understand the Middle East he is completely wrong on the drone. This was not some mere psychological trick, it had a purpose, and its purpose was to see if Israel's airspace could be penetrated for any length of time. If Israel's enemies have any hope of ever defeating her in a war then they will have to develop the ability to do this. They will take the pounding that the IAF will give them (they're used to it after all) if they get the chance to deliver some of their own and shift the balance of power in their direction. The fact that a Iranian drone launched from Lebanon made it all the way to the vicinity of Be'er Sheva before it was taken down is an epochal moment in the history of the Middle East, and people had better wake up to it.
17. #12 Thank you for expressing my sentiments so completly
Chas ,   Los Angeles   (10.15.12)
and saving me the trouble of correcting my inevitable typos.
18. #12 esse
Sams ,   Lagos   (10.15.12)
Listen esse if the US stops to support Israel today. it is at its own peril. Maybe you have not read Jeremiah 30 vs 1- end especially vs 17. Israel has survived without doing business with its neighbors so that was conquered long time ago. There's an invisible hand that guides Israel and you have to wake up to that.
19. What would the world and in particular America
Steve   (10.15.12)
without Israel generosity in explaining the world to us. We would be clueless otherwise.
20. U.S. Ruling Elites do Understand!
Linda Rivera ,   New York, USA   (10.15.12)
They understand Islam very well. They are fully aware of everything stated in the article. Israel and the world's non-Muslims must be protected! Founder of Islam, Mohammed: “I have been made victorious with terror”, “Wage war on the infidel and kill them until Islam is dominant” (Koran 8:39). Many millions of Muslims have been imported into our countries by our treasonous leaders in order to wage jihad against us and conquer our nations as commanded by the Quran. End the treason! End Muslim immigration!
21. Since We're so Incompetent
Mark of Lewiston ,   USA   (10.15.12)
Since you view the US as so ignorant and incompetent. Please just publicly ask the US to remove our troops and bases from the entire region. You will be free to act as you deem best and we will not take casualties for being ignorant. The US cannot and will not take orders. So ask nicely and explain its for our own protection. Of course, once Romney is elected, He probably will name Netanyahu as Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces and sell off some assets to pay the bills.
22. Sams #18
Eaglebeak ,   Left Coast, USA   (10.15.12)
You are right but esse probably won't wake up. He is one of those misguided people who think you can negotiate and reason with people who will never see reason because all they want to do is kill you. He speaks of the many fools here without the slightest clue that he himself could go to the head of the class. It's ironic and funny in a sad way. A thumbs up to you and your wisdom. The Bible has the answers if only people would take time to look but you already know that.
23. To: No. 12
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (10.15.12)
The only thing that will make Israel's neighbors -- and those countries not geographically linked to Israel -- would be for the State of Israel to cease to exist. That isn't going to happen. We are here to stay. And we aren't all that concerned about losing the backing of the United States -- first of all, only a complete idiot (such as yourself) would even contemplate such a suggestion. Secondly -- we don't care. Israel is a technological and military powerhouse. You are doubtless European, and are still adjusting to the fact that Europe no longer matters. Get over yourself.
24. To: No. 14
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (10.15.12)
Six million Jews were herded into gas chambers, and you have the NERVE to call Israel uncivilized? What did the United States do while Jews were being slaughtered? Absolutely nothing. So I think if you want to see uncivilized, just look in the mirror.
25. What Iran is doing is prophecy coming true. However, the end
of the prophecy is ,   that Iran loses BIG!   (10.15.12)
26. #12 Have you ever wondered why the Arabs have FAILED to wipe
David-ben-David ,   Israel   (10.15.12)
out Israel? I think that's a fair question yeah? Or how about the failure of US presidents to divide the land, make Jerusalem the capital of the palistinians, and declare peace with Israel?? How many wars have been fought with Israel since it became a nation? And of those wars fought, how much MORE land did Israel gain? The answer to all these question is because Israels G-d will not allow any of these evil things to befall the land. Israel's G-d is Hashem. He never sleeps nor slumbers, and he has an eternal covenant with Israel. The muslim god, allah, always sleeps and slubmers, never shows up to give victory in battles,frustrates his followers, and has no covenant with his followers because he is powerless and void of power. You can blame the Israeli people and the US all you want. That's because you are looking at it carnally. Trying to declare physical force and reasoning as the chamion for victory. What you really need to do is to look at the forcess behind the scenes and then make a clear and concise judgement of what is going on, and who the powerful winners are and who is leading them and guiding them. I'm just saying.
27. What a diatribe of concentrated sniveling!
Cameron ,   USA   (10.15.12)
Take your sour griping & stick it straight up your........
28. #27 Get used to it, you're nobodies anymore
Barry Soetoro ,   Indonesia   (10.15.12)
29. You wouldn't know it, #28,.....
Cameron ,   USA   (10.16.12)
the way so many nations keep running to pound on our door for help & aid of every kind.
30. Don't Generalize
Robert ,   New Jersey, USA   (10.16.12)
The US knows only too well the Middle East and Radical Islam. It is currently under the heel of a closet Muslim president and his sycophants. If you could hear the 'voice' of America, you would know it is NOT the feeble apologetics of this Manchurian Candidate who occupies the White House. So please don't confuse the perceptions of Americans with the deceiving appeasers in charge now. Yes, blame the voters for allowing themselves to be conned by "Hope and Change" in 2008. They have learned a painful and expensive lesson. Hopefully it's not too late and we can prevent this Marxist wanna-be dictator from stealing the election next month. If so, a grown-up will again assume the reins of power in Washington and Israel will have us back supporting the only civilized democracy in the Middle East.
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