Netanyahu confronts the new Middle East

[luckytxn 2,264]

Israel's intransigence on the flotilla killings will further isolate the country in the international community.

Can it be? Did the Turks really dare to say "No" to Bibi Netanyahu, threaten to break ties with Israel, and say it so directly and strongly?

Bibi Netanyahu defiantly refused to apologise to Turkey for Israeli commando forces' May 31, 2010 raid that killed nine civilians (eight Turks and one American of Turkish descent) and wounded several dozens, mostly Turkish citizens. The Turkish-flagged Mavi Marmara - a flotilla of peace activists, aid workers, writers, journalists, lawyers, members of parliaments and ordinary citizens - was bringing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza in an attempt to break Israel's two-year blockade and siege of the Gaza Strip, which they believed was a necessary step to restart the peace process in the Middle East.

Bibi not only said no to the Turkish government's demand for a formal apology, but no to the US as well. It was not a secret that both US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had strongly encouraged the Israeli government to apologise. Instead Netanyahu retreated to a mantra he has used throughout his years as prime minister: "We need not apologise."

But should anyone have been surprised? One can understand the Netanyahu government's intransigence and defiance: This is perfectly reasonable given the lack of resistance from the US and the international community, who consistently avoid dealing firmly, critically and decisively with Israel. Bibi is clearly not used to being diplomatically rebuffed and held accountable. Rather, he has a track record of defying international law, and of not being held accountable for the use of excessive force, violence, punishment and repression. Witness the Israeli invasions of Gaza and Lebanon, the creation of an apartheid state, and the blockade of the democratically elected Hamas government in Gaza - aided by his US and EU partners. As in Gaza and Lebanon, so too in response to the attack on the flotilla. Even though an American citizen was among those murdered, the US silence was deafening.

Was Israel's use of force justified?

Despite the United Nations report's recognition of Israel's naval blockade of Gaza as legal and appropriate, it noted that the flotilla posed no immediate threat and emphasised that the decision to board and use force was excessive and unreasonable, and that Israel had failed to provide an adequate explanation or details for the killing of the nine activists. Indeed, it concluded: "No evidence has been provided to establish that any of the deceased were armed with lethal weapons." That said, Israel was advised to issue a statement of regret and "make payment for the benefit of the deceased and injured victims and their families".

Need for a new narrative

As Turkey's expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and downgrading of its ties with Israel signals, Israel's defiance of both friend and foe alike will have implications in the new Middle East. The Netanyahu government totally misreads and ignores the Arab Spring with its demand for respect, dignity and freedom. Many of the authoritarian allies that the West and Israel could count on are gone, or going.

The new Middle East, like the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, requires a new narrative, and with it a redefining of relationships as partnerships. Turkey has become a major player in the Middle East, and a respected ally of the US and many EU countries. The loss of Turkey as a friend will further isolate Israel in the region and the international community. Israel's continued occupation and blockade policies further demonstrate Netanyahu's lack of leadership, and his lack of vision or desire to make peace with Palestinians and establish productive relations with new emerging Arab governments.

Israel's fallout with Turkey, the repercussions of which are being felt across the Middle East and the Muslim world, comes just weeks before a scheduled UN Security Council vote to recognise a Palestine as a new member state. Despite Israel's intransigence in US-led Middle East negotiations and Bibi's arrogant personal style in dealing with Barack Obama, the US administration has made it clear that it will (yet again) veto any request presented to the United Nations and has lobbied its EU allies to also do so. However, the US, EU and Israel will not be able to block a UN General Assembly vote to elevate the status of the Palestinians' from nonvoting observer "entity" to that of a nonvoting observer "state". Such a vote will even more clearly symbolise Israel's marginalisation in the community of nations, and will further undermine the US' role as an honest broker in the Middle East peace process.

John Esposito is a Professor of Reglion (Islamic Studies) and Professor of International Affairs at Georgetown. He is the author of several books, including Islam in Transition: Muslim Perspectives (2006, Oxford University Press) and Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam (2002, Oxford University Press).

The views expressed in this article are the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial policy.

http://english.aljaz...3612490901.html

A a lot of "ifs" but still means nothing. Israel will get what it wants and when it wants. What is the U.S. going to do about it? Go along with what Israel wants. The only thing I can see is that Israel will make a case for more aid and weapons. The well oiled propaganda machine will continue.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

A a lot of "ifs" but still means nothing. Israel will get what it wants and when it wants. What is the U.S. going to do about it? Go along with what Israel wants. The only thing I can see is that Israel will make a case for more aid and weapons. The well oiled propaganda machine will continue.

The US has to make the calculation, which is more important: Continuing to push for a two state solution in Palestine which has gone nowhere in the last 63 years, or keeping the second largest military force in Europe a member of N.A.T.O. Israel may not have enough political clout left to get past the bean counters.

[luckytxn 2,264]

The US has to make the calculation, which is more important: Continuing to push for a two state solution in Palestine which has gone nowhere in the last 63 years, or keeping the second largest military force in Europe a member of N.A.T.O. Israel may not have enough political clout left to get past the bean counters.

As long as we have the two major parties making the decisions nothing will happen.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

As long as we have the two major parties making the decisions nothing will happen.

With a weak President like Obama, the US will probably not be part of the decision, which will be the green light to Turkey to do whatever it wants.

[Captain Oates 911]

With a weak President like Obama, the US will probably not be part of the decision, which will be the green light to Turkey to do whatever it wants.

The minute I laid eyes on Obama I knew he was like my chief accountant and he was weak and petty. He is a big dissapointment. I will still vote for him rather than some brown shirt thug from Texas with 25% uninsured, and O will get a second term because the people who want medicare/medicaid/Social Security will be forced to vote for him

Remember - it's not about OBAMA - it's now about YOMAMA !!!

[luckytxn 2,264]

With a weak President like Obama, the US will probably not be part of the decision, which will be the green light to Turkey to do whatever it wants.

The U.S. still has the veto and will probably use it. Makes no difference as no politician that has the ability to be elected POTUS will go against Israel. Wonder if Obama has given Israel their welfare checks lately.

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

The U.S. still has the veto and will probably use it. Makes no difference as no politician that has the ability to be elected POTUS will go against Israel. Wonder if Obama has given Israel their welfare checks lately.

The PA is said to be seeking a General Assembly vote on recognition - no U.S. veto there. But of course Congress is expected to cut all economic aid to the PA if the measure passes - that amounted to about $400 million in 2010.

[luckytxn 2,264]

The PA is said to be seeking a General Assembly vote on recognition - no U.S. veto there. But of course Congress is expected to cut all economic aid to the PA if the measure passes - that amounted to about $400 million in 2010.

Apologize. I thought they still had the veto and I am wrong. I am sure the U.S. will make an offer to stop them from causing discomfort to Israel.

[Captain Oates 911]

The PA is said to be seeking a General Assembly vote on recognition - no U.S. veto there. But of course Congress is expected to cut all economic aid to the PA if the measure passes - that amounted to about $400 million in 2010.

That's more than all the tax I have ever paid - I hope they send me a thank you note

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

That's more than all the tax I have ever paid - I hope they send me a thank you note

I am sure it will arrive in your mailbox right after the thank you notes from Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan and the Sudan (the top 6 recipients of U.S. foreign aid in 2009.) The list was the same in 2008 except Russia took the place of Pakistan.

[Captain Oates 911]

I am sure it will arrive in your mailbox right after the thank you notes from Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan and the Sudan (the top 6 recipients of U.S. foreign aid in 2009.) The list was the same in 2008 except Russia took the place of Pakistan.

As Milton Friedman used to say - "There is only only place you can spend US dollars"

So it all comes back eventually and usually in the form of purchases of rockets and guns

Foreign aid is enlightened self interest....as the Depeche Mode song has it

"But always remain ultimately selfish"

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Apologize. I thought they still had the veto and I am wrong. I am sure the U.S. will make an offer to stop them from causing discomfort to Israel.

Both the U.S. and Israel are working overtime on this to try to head it off.

U.S. envoys urge Abbas to reconsider Palestinian statehood bid

And in related news...

Israel's right-wing prepares for UN recognition of Palestinian state

Israelis could face trial in The Hague if Palestinian statehood recognized at UN, experts warn

China supports Palestinian UN bid

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Israelis could face trial in The Hague if Palestinian statehood recognized at UN, experts warn

That would be interesting. I wonder if they could find a European prosecutor to make that happen.

According to the statute of the court, the direct or indirect transfer of an occupier’s population into occupied territory constitutes a war crime.

Do you have to be a recognized nation to have standing in the Hague?

Edited September 9, 2011 by Crusty Old Perv

[Captain Oates 911]

That would be interesting. I wonder if they could find a European prosecutor to make that happen.

Do you have to be a recognized nation to have standing in the Hague?

The USA is not a member of the International Criminal Court

I think whatever happens to Israel, the influence of the USA will neutralize it

[PalestineMyHeart 1,897]

Those nations were willing to man up and fight their conquerors.

Clearly, Palestinians lack the ability to fight Israel militarily as they got their аss kicked every time they tried.

All they can do is whine "unfair!" to the UN and keep shooting off unguided bottle rockets.

So one of the best-equipped military forces in the world is able to beat up a people with no army, no air force, and no navy. Impressive !