Opinion
Gulf states are scared
Yaakov Lappin
Published: 19.12.07, 08:17
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45 Talkbacks for this article
31. Wrong Title: Israel is scared!
Jack ,   USA   (12.20.07)
That's the true title for this article. The recent actions by Israel in Gaza shows the degree of fear and impotence felt by the Israeli leaders in the face of Iran's victory in the nuclear issue which was a direct slap in their face by the American establishment, or at least part of it.
32. Marty,USA Black stone was brought by the Angel from Heaven
Adriatic_boy ,   Bosnia & Herzegovina   (12.20.07)
33. #28 - Actually, Mary...
Joe ,   Los Angeles, CA   (12.19.07)
Mary, please don't confuse democracy with freedom of speech, they are two entirely different concepts. As for the comments of us talkbackers and our opinions of Iran and Ahmadinejad, anybody with opposing views is welcome to post. After all, look at posts #7, 16, and even your post if you want examples. Also, if you're on a manhunt for Jewish 'fanaticism', you're in the wrong place. Arutz Sheva is 'the mouthpiece of the settler movement' and you're free to post your easily debunkable positions and beliefs as much as you like on that site. Yedioth Achronot, for the most part, is fairly liberal in the articles it publishes, and if you stuck around and read some of the TBs written by me or by Terry in Eilat, for example, you would come to this conclusion yourself. To cut things short, Mary, your comment about 'typical Jewish fanaticism' is out of place here. If you're going to attack us, please put some more foresight and fact into your approach next time. Have a nice day...
34. # 29
(12.19.07)
You might find this interesting http://www.islam-watch.org/Letters/Omar-letter-to-persian-king.htm
35. Terry, Eilat, Palestine
Ahmed   (12.20.07)
I have no doubts that there is the capability to kill 30million muslims via nuclear weapons. But I similarly have no doubt, that were such a thing to happen because of israel, then what comes after will make hitler seem like peace activist..
36. #2 - Reza
Steve ,   UK   (12.19.07)
There was a revolution once, any chance there could be again?
37. #30 - Interesting
Steve ,   UK   (12.19.07)
Interesting how you, living in Finland, could tell an Iranian, living in Iran, that he's lying about life in Iran. Amazing how that works.
38. Sunnies, and Shias
Joshuha Buzzdale ,   LonsAngeles   (12.19.07)
Israel should look at expanding, and diversfying its interests, and stop holding on to U.S's balls. Or else it will be left out by other nations.
39. Israel is now finished
John ,   London,UK   (12.20.07)
Saudis courting Iranians means end of Israel is now a certainty. I bet Saudis will be providing billions of petro-dollors to anyone who can destroy Israel; and Iran is first volunteer in this respect. Money will be channeled via Iran straight to Hezbollah to secure more advanced weapons and missiles to target Israel. Hezbollah has vowed never to stop until they march on Jesrusalem; and Arabs would love nothing better then anyone who can 'liberate' their 3rd holy city from 'zionists'. Muslims look up to Iran and Hezbollah now because they have defied the west and threatened Israel with annilation. British newspapers claim that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has reached a legendary status in the Islamic world' and that Presidewt Ahmadinejad is a pin-up hero ion the Middle East. Esperts claim that enemies of Israel are becoming popular and stronger by the day. Soon Israelis may have to start packing their bags. Iran has warned this years that countdown to Israel's destruction has already started. West seems incompitent to prevent Iran from either acquiring nuclear bombs or even to stop Iran from being a threat to its ally Israel. I think Israel should stop relying on west. Israelis need strong leaders who can defend their country. Otherwise, Im affraid that end is nigh.
40. Various
Jakov   (12.20.07)
Well, I think that ahmedinejad was just going to do a religious task. I don't see why the Saudis would not let him, as he is of the same faith-though a different strand of it. Saudi & Iran are not the same. They have a very different outlook and have very different fates. Saudi, though as repressive as it is, has widespread international relations & trade with the world It recognizes the need for this. While Iran has a few friends, it is mostly condemned by the international community and has become destabilizing to the region. There has been a widespread division between Snnis and Shi'ahs. Shi'ahs are widely discriminated against in Saudi society. Also, many Muslims make a division between Arab and Iranian(Persian) society, culture and even religion. As for Shi'ahs, I believe they are at a crossroads. These can be divided into three camps 1)There is a certain camps of highly secularized Shi'ahs, mainly in former Soviet countries. These seek to modernize and participate in world affairs. They are open and forward looking. 2) Then you have the Eastern Gulf States, like Bahrain and Qatar, which while modern and trading with the outside world, seek to keep what they can of the old ways. So they are more conservative than Former Soviet countries. 3) Then you have radicalized entities like Iran and South Lebanon. This is the strain to be worried about. These entities use it to further their political aims. Even if the local populations are not in favor of it, there are enough people in power to enforce their policies gainst their will. These camps will never unify, as the first 2 camps know that the best way is to engage with the world and keep lines of communications open.
41. #32 - Adriatic_boy, an angel bringing it from heaven...
Joe ,   Los Angeles, CA   (12.20.07)
Adriatic_boy, an angel bringing a black stone from heaven doesn't change the fact that the black stone was (and still is) an object of idolatry. Why do Muslims all around the world bow to this stone instead of bowing to the One Who made the stone?
42. the usual Israeli paranoia; everyones out there to get us!
Mohammad Reza ,   Tehran/Iran   (12.21.07)
Relax. No one is planning to wipe you guys off the map. The Muslims want see a bit of justice as far as Israel is concerned. And its only justice that Iran (and the rest of the Muslim world) too has some nuclear capability. Perhaps that will persuade your governments to a more two-sided negotiations. If you dont like that scenario, then get your government to get rid of your nuclear arsenal, otherwise accept the arms race. The article, by the way, has the origins of the Shia badly wrong. It was invented by the Iranians to separate themselves from the Arabs. The actual creation date does not go back to early days of Islam, it was created only 400 years ago and used the story in the article to make the distinction. Iranians have never forgiven the arabs for defeating the Persian Empire. Most Iranians consider arabs as lesser humans.
43. 37Iranian-loving Englishman
Shir ,   Finland   (12.21.07)
Mahmood who often is here, says most Iranians support their president. And he is from IRAN. So you should shut up. If you care about Iranians so much, why don´t you move to Iran. I can´t speak for all Israelis but I personally feel Israelis don´t need your support. Keep on supporting your Iranian friends, such as Mahmood in your country. At least he is HONEST, you are not.
44. Mohammad Reza
Shir ,   Finland   (12.21.07)
"If you dont like that scenario, then get your government to get rid of your nuclear arsenal" Dream on. But you can pray help from Allah when Israel strikes.
45. # 2 REZA don't YOU have any patriotic assassins?
Petra ,   usa   (12.24.07)
Do the world a favor and clean your own house. Since your country kept American hostages, you've known your fate. DO SOMETHING about it. Your quiet is deafening. He's your mini mouse with a big mouth, stop him. Don't expect anyone to do what you refuse to do.
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