Israel 60 Years Later
A good opinion piece from William Kristol on Israel at 60 years. Kristol juxtaposes the 60th birthday of the modern Israel with the event that made that possible- the advent of Adolf Hitler to power. Ironically while Israel celebrates its 60th anniversay, Germany seems to not look too much towards the 75th anniversay of the rise of the Nazis to power in the beleagured Weimar Republic.
Kristol notes the ruminations of Iran's President who calls Israel a "stinking corpse.' Given that Israel is facing supreme challenges in its neigborhood and a homegrown political crisis involving its apparently "challenged" Prime Minister (Ehud Olmert who is in the midst of a bribery scandal), what a time to look at the importance of Israel.
Americans should admire Israel and combat both the overt and latent anti-semitism that still exists in the world. I am constantly struck by the animosity that still exists towards Israel and towards Jewish people by and large. History should not repeat itself. If it does, then it is a pox on our morality.
Another great piece from former CIA Director James Woolsey on the contribution of Judaism to the western world. He makes a fascinating point that the rule of law is derived from Judaism and that this is why western leaders are held accountable (ie, Nixon, Clinton in America) as opposed to allowed unfettered power (ie, Roman emperors and Napoleons).
I think he is on to something here. How important the rule of law is, though even it has its troubles.
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