Opinion
Golan safe for now
Shai Bazak
Published: 21.05.08, 17:17
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8 Talkbacks for this article
1. The Golan – The security insurance of Israel.
Robert Bernier ,   Tel Aviv   (05.21.08)
One hardly requires the military acumen of Clausewitz to appreciate the huge military value of the Golan that gives Israel command over the approaches to Damascus and precludes Syrian command over the entire northern portion of Israel. This provides Israel with unequivocal deterrence, which has ensured that the Syrian frontier has been the most peaceful for over third of century – without Israel yielding a centimeter of territory. Only the moronic or the malicious could suggest that Israel would be better off militarily without the Golan. Nowadays, the Golan is an integrated region of Israel : http://xrl.us/bjvii
2. How can we trust Syria?
Wade ,   NYC   (05.21.08)
Syria can agree to Israel's requirements to get Israelis off the Golan Hts. Such an evacuation would be irreversible. Afterwards, what would prevent Syria from renewing support for Hizbollah, Hamas, Iran, etc.? I say trade peace for peace and leave the Golan Hts in Israel.
3. #1 Robert, thank you for this link.
petra ,   usa   (05.22.08)
Israel cannot give the Golan to the Syrians for security reasons as well as the water and position of the higher ground. Olmert is dead in the water if he even discusses the Golan for negotiations w/ Syria. Posting this history helps to remind us of it's strategic value to Israel. The Golan is returned to it's rightful owners and won as a historical 'spoils of war' prize. It's Israels land now, no doubts, no discussion.
4. the danger is us
i ,   jerusalem   (05.21.08)
once the ball starts rolling, certain criminals (read: politicians) cant keep from chasing it. We gave most of Yesha and all of Aza, with no one "providing the goods"
5. US Will DisEnable Israel OccupationS
Rich ,   Wisconsin, USA   (05.22.08)
No doubt the Golan Height occupation enhances Israel militarily, water, religiousy, etc... However, this and her other occupations are clearly not legal or just, and NOT recognized by almost everyone and every nation including our USA outside Israel, so it will not stand over time. Israel's own continuing unjust and illegal attitudes & behaviours may [appropriately] doom her - rich
6. #5, NOT illegal
Jake   (05.22.08)
It may be that, for the sake of political and diplomatic expediency (read OIL), various countries "do not recognize" that the Golan Heights is a part of Israel. However, in terms of international law, Israel's control over the Golan Heights pending any final agreement over its status is absolutely just, legal, fitting, proper, and simply logical. Not to mention the fact that possession is 9/10 of the law (and how big would the US be today if it didn't live by that philosophy to its fullest extent). However, if you believe that outside interference can "disenable" Israel presence on the Golan Heights, you will find that it will neither work nor will it gain you any Arab friends.
7. Golan
misaac ,   Reston, US   (05.22.08)
Very good analysis, it applies to the entire Arab world not just Syria; peace would require the Arab dictators to take care of their people. The current 'cold war' is acceptable until the Arabs give up their dream of destroying Israel and start taking care of their own people. Could be a long wait.
8. #5 Give back Texas to Mexico
Merrill ,   New York, NY   (05.23.08)
We won the Texas in a war with Mexicans.. We also won California, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and parts of Oklahoma, and Nebraska.. When will we return it back to Mexico? What about returning Florida to Spaniards, Louisiana to French, North Dakota and surrounding states to Canadians.. when will that happen? The rest of US to Indians? The fact is that Syria went all or nothing in 1967 and 1973 against Israel.. and lost. When you lose in casino while betting no one will give you your money back.. if you are not so sure 'bout that, go to Vegas and try it out, bud..
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