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Afghanistan to recognize Israel
Diana Bahur-Nir
Published: 16.10.05, 09:09
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7 Talkbacks for this article
1. Mabrook Aleikum, Pakistan and Afganistan
ali   (10.16.05)
What an achievement. Mabrook israel. Pakistan and Afganistan will add value to israeli society, may be. You are getting closer with every one and further and further from your Palestinian next door naighbour. what an achievement. Mr. Shalom is really happy with his work, ...LOL. Nesx there will be a break through with Al-Qaida....great achievement.
2. We'll see
Howard ,   Pacific Coast, USA   (10.16.05)
Sadly, I tend to believe Karzai's less optimistic statements on the matter. I do think it's a sign of health and sanity in Kabul that Afghanistan is expressing clear interest in establishing ties with Israel, and I think it would be wonderful to see another Muslim nation abandon the unhealthy and delusional fantasy that Israel does not exist. However, Afghanistan is still a country with vast problems and unfortunately, although Karzai & his ministers (unlike the PA) seem to be brave people who fight against their local terrorist gangs rather than making excuses for them, recognizing Israel won't erase those problems. Of course, it WOULD be really helpful if everyone who opposes Islamic extremism would cooperate to eliminate the Islamic extremist groups that are doing so much damage worldwide -- in Israel, in the West AND in the Muslim world. But effective cooperation necessarily requires relationships that are rather deeper than handshakes. So Afghanistan, Pakistan and the rest will have to do more if they REALLY want to make a difference. On the other hand, communication is better than sitting with heads buried in the sand. Ali, if the PA actually wanted a real relationship with Israel, it could have it, and things would be better than they are. Unfortunately, the PA apparently wants to be a press office rather than tackling the difficult problem of restoring law & order and operating a clean government. Karzai is much braver than that, and I wish him all the best. The PA could use someone like that... . I hope that Afghanistan does recognize Israel soon. I just don't think it's very likely.
3. A mve of symbolic value
Aamir Ali ,   Peshawar, Pakistan   (10.16.05)
If Afghanistan recognizes Israel it will be of symbolic importance but can deliver concrete benefits about 20 years from now when Afghanistan is on its feet and at peace.
4. Afghan president: Palestinian state precedes ties with Israe
managed chaos ,   NYC   (10.16.05)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/635262.html Karzai-"We will establish relations with Israel after our Palestinian brothers have an independent and free state," Karim Rahimi quoted the president as saying.
5. Great News....but
Billy ,   Burlington, Canada   (10.16.05)
This is really great news, but I'll believe it when it will happen! I hope it is not just a "MOVE" to get more Western aid & blessing using the kindness of Israelis. Something for sure, Pakistanis & Afghanis were always against the existence of the State of Israel & always backing terror & Islamic extremism.
6. Why Shouldn't The Muslim World Be Thrilled?
Adina Kutnicki ,   NJ, US   (10.16.05)
Hogwash. With the Muslim world there is always a caveat. For Israel that means more "concessions" and more deaths. A deal with the devil. And wouldn't you know it. There will be plenty on the left who will point to the "benefits" of the expulsion. Well, if I were a Muslim I too would be thrilled with Israel right about now. They are implementing all of their most treasured dreams - helping Israel commit (albeit slowly) national suicide.
7. Brothers?!
sam ,   potomac md   (10.17.05)
Why does he not also refer to Israel as his "brothers"? The Jews have been in the Middle East since antiquity--and in the Arab world there were Jews there even before the Arabs got there (Oh, I forgot:: the Arabs kicked the Jews out of the Arab world)
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