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PARTNERS IN CRIME...
J-Wire Jewish Australian News Service
Sept 12 2014
writes Michael Kuttner
John Kerry's frenzied efforts to put together a coalition of terror
busting countries and his boss's equally futile attempts to contain
rather than defeat one particular terror group while ignoring many
others highlight the Mickey Mouse situation currently prevailing.
Michael Kuttner
Israelis can only look on in bemused horror as the leading democracies
of the international community continue to agonize and procrastinate
in the face of unambiguous plans to spread Islamic terror throughout
the world.
The absurdity of the situation was forcefully reinforced the other day
when Joe Biden, the American Vice President, in an effort to prove
that the Administration had a strategy and was in full control of
the situation, proclaimed: "we will chase ISIS to the gates of hell."
Little did he realize that this sort of bluster is the same sort of
rubbish stated by terror groups confronting Israel who promise at
regular intervals to do this to us. Moreover his overinflated rhetoric
was immediately blown out of the water by reports that GI's stationed
in Iraq tweeted: "how will he do this when we cannot even leave the
front gate of our own base?"
The sad fact of the matter is that resounding resolutions which are
not backed up by realistic, resolute and robust action have no show of
doing anything other than garner headlines and satisfy those who prefer
verbal pyrotechnics, acquiescing appeasement and political doublespeak.
In this regard I want to focus on two supposed allies being coddled
and serenaded at present and show how the alleged fight against terror
is being conducted in a manner which one can only politely describe
as hypocritical.
First of all take Turkey which as a member of the NATO alliance one
would imagine it to be a shining example of liberal democracy and
upholder of human rights. Anyone with even a smattering of history
and current events will know that this country which aspires to join
the European Union at some stage has not only a sordid past but a
very spotty current track record. This erstwhile ally has until today
refused to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide in which up to one and
a half million Armenians were murdered. Granted this was carried out
by the Ottomans but the fact that Turkey still cannot bring itself to
accept historical responsibility speaks volumes. After all Germany
today has not only confessed the crimes carried out in its name
during the Nazi period but has also made restitution to its victims,
something the Turks have not contemplated. In fact any attempt to
get Turkey to own up to its sordid behavior has resulted in violent
reactions and threats of intimidation.
Anybody heard of North Cyprus? This is the illegally occupied territory
of the sovereign State of Cyprus invaded and occupied by Turkey. For
some mysterious reason neither the USA nor any other member of the
United Nations has lost any sleep over this continuing and flagrant
violation of international law. I wonder why?
Human rights abuses and intimidation of political opponents do
not seem to be a barrier to becoming an ally in Obama's intended
coalition. However a far more worrying aspect of Turkey's current
situation is deliberately ignored. That is its full hearted and
enthusiastic support for Hamas which has been designated as a
terrorist organization. Not only does Ankara provide safe havens for
Hamas leaders but it actively promotes the financial and political
advancement of that terror group. Thus, we witness virulent anti
Israel statements and policies which condemn our war on terror and
encourage those carrying out these acts. Is this the sort of ally
who can be relied on and indeed should be even considered?
The second country with a decidedly spotty record which Kerry is eager
to recruit is Qatar. This feudal bastion of democracy with its immense
wealth is the prime funder and supporter of Hamas which without its
help would be unable to fire rockets at Israel's civilian population.
It also hosts Hamas leaders and helps promote anti Israel activities
In other words this Gulf State is hardly a suitable candidate to be
part of any coalition against terror.
These two partners in crime should be held to account and not embraced
for their support of terror. However, international double standards
being the order of the day, these considerations play no part in
formulating strategy to eliminate terror groups. It is notable that
Israel was not mentioned in Obama's speech. Despite it being on the
front line and suffering more than any other country it is obvious that
in order to build a coalition, no matter how shaky that will prove to
be, the USA needs to freeze out the only country which is a constant
victim and moreover takes concrete steps to combat this scourge.
Assurances notwithstanding by American officials, the plain truth is
that Israel is not wanted. Those Arab regimes which give lip service
to the campaign will at the end of the day do very little. Turkey
has already bowed out of anything meaningful.
With friends and allies like Turkey and Qatar, who needs terrorists?
One can judge the sincerity of one's friends by the company they keep.
The lesson for Israel is that once again we are on our own.
Some have yet to learn that lesson.
Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was
actively involved with various communal organisations connected
to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel where he is J-Wire's
correspondent.
http://www.jwire.com.au/featured-articles/partners-crime-writes-michael-kuttner/46043
J-Wire Jewish Australian News Service
Sept 12 2014
writes Michael Kuttner
John Kerry's frenzied efforts to put together a coalition of terror
busting countries and his boss's equally futile attempts to contain
rather than defeat one particular terror group while ignoring many
others highlight the Mickey Mouse situation currently prevailing.
Michael Kuttner
Israelis can only look on in bemused horror as the leading democracies
of the international community continue to agonize and procrastinate
in the face of unambiguous plans to spread Islamic terror throughout
the world.
The absurdity of the situation was forcefully reinforced the other day
when Joe Biden, the American Vice President, in an effort to prove
that the Administration had a strategy and was in full control of
the situation, proclaimed: "we will chase ISIS to the gates of hell."
Little did he realize that this sort of bluster is the same sort of
rubbish stated by terror groups confronting Israel who promise at
regular intervals to do this to us. Moreover his overinflated rhetoric
was immediately blown out of the water by reports that GI's stationed
in Iraq tweeted: "how will he do this when we cannot even leave the
front gate of our own base?"
The sad fact of the matter is that resounding resolutions which are
not backed up by realistic, resolute and robust action have no show of
doing anything other than garner headlines and satisfy those who prefer
verbal pyrotechnics, acquiescing appeasement and political doublespeak.
In this regard I want to focus on two supposed allies being coddled
and serenaded at present and show how the alleged fight against terror
is being conducted in a manner which one can only politely describe
as hypocritical.
First of all take Turkey which as a member of the NATO alliance one
would imagine it to be a shining example of liberal democracy and
upholder of human rights. Anyone with even a smattering of history
and current events will know that this country which aspires to join
the European Union at some stage has not only a sordid past but a
very spotty current track record. This erstwhile ally has until today
refused to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide in which up to one and
a half million Armenians were murdered. Granted this was carried out
by the Ottomans but the fact that Turkey still cannot bring itself to
accept historical responsibility speaks volumes. After all Germany
today has not only confessed the crimes carried out in its name
during the Nazi period but has also made restitution to its victims,
something the Turks have not contemplated. In fact any attempt to
get Turkey to own up to its sordid behavior has resulted in violent
reactions and threats of intimidation.
Anybody heard of North Cyprus? This is the illegally occupied territory
of the sovereign State of Cyprus invaded and occupied by Turkey. For
some mysterious reason neither the USA nor any other member of the
United Nations has lost any sleep over this continuing and flagrant
violation of international law. I wonder why?
Human rights abuses and intimidation of political opponents do
not seem to be a barrier to becoming an ally in Obama's intended
coalition. However a far more worrying aspect of Turkey's current
situation is deliberately ignored. That is its full hearted and
enthusiastic support for Hamas which has been designated as a
terrorist organization. Not only does Ankara provide safe havens for
Hamas leaders but it actively promotes the financial and political
advancement of that terror group. Thus, we witness virulent anti
Israel statements and policies which condemn our war on terror and
encourage those carrying out these acts. Is this the sort of ally
who can be relied on and indeed should be even considered?
The second country with a decidedly spotty record which Kerry is eager
to recruit is Qatar. This feudal bastion of democracy with its immense
wealth is the prime funder and supporter of Hamas which without its
help would be unable to fire rockets at Israel's civilian population.
It also hosts Hamas leaders and helps promote anti Israel activities
In other words this Gulf State is hardly a suitable candidate to be
part of any coalition against terror.
These two partners in crime should be held to account and not embraced
for their support of terror. However, international double standards
being the order of the day, these considerations play no part in
formulating strategy to eliminate terror groups. It is notable that
Israel was not mentioned in Obama's speech. Despite it being on the
front line and suffering more than any other country it is obvious that
in order to build a coalition, no matter how shaky that will prove to
be, the USA needs to freeze out the only country which is a constant
victim and moreover takes concrete steps to combat this scourge.
Assurances notwithstanding by American officials, the plain truth is
that Israel is not wanted. Those Arab regimes which give lip service
to the campaign will at the end of the day do very little. Turkey
has already bowed out of anything meaningful.
With friends and allies like Turkey and Qatar, who needs terrorists?
One can judge the sincerity of one's friends by the company they keep.
The lesson for Israel is that once again we are on our own.
Some have yet to learn that lesson.
Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was
actively involved with various communal organisations connected
to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel where he is J-Wire's
correspondent.
http://www.jwire.com.au/featured-articles/partners-crime-writes-michael-kuttner/46043