Is Israel connected to the UAE?

[shance]

I read yesterday on the Huffington Post blog some information, and I will go try to locate it, that the UAE could be a front company for both Israeli and US interests.

I thought it was a compelling argument and something that would warrant discussion, not to mention more information if it is true.

[11cents]

1. Er -

- the UAE is an Arab country, not a company.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

2. the UAE gov't doesn't even recognize

Israel...

sP

[bryant69]

3. Well that would help right?

I mean cause if there is one middle eastern country we are all pretty comfortable banging away on, its Israel.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[shance]

8. Could you please give some other examples of "banging Israel"?

If anything it seems people are scared to death to utter the slightest criticism because of the barrage of anger and unwarranted anti-semitic criticisms that are immediately thrown at whomever dare criticize Israel. Its a way to keep people from discussing the flaws of Israeli policy, which like the good ole US has as well.

[Behind the Aegis]

15. Oh please...

More people bitch about being called anti-Semitic than are people called anti-Semitic for attacking Israel. Good grief!

[shance]

22. That's not been my experience. I have a very good friend, whom

I respect with the utmost conviction. However, I brought up a question regarding the Jewish Neocons (Wolfowitz, Perle, etc) and said they are equal partners in the same problems and prejudice as the Christian neocons and my friend became defensive as if it was an attack against them, I was labeled Anti-semitic and my friend took it very personally. It was a very painful thing because I could see it was a very sore spot for them, and yet it is a real problem when a country like Israel cant even be discussed without receiving such impulsive attacks.

I also have to say, after that encounter I realized my friend can criticize every other country but Israel. In my opinion, the double standard takes away from the objectiveness necessary to look at the truth whereever it may be, and it creates a division and it closes down communication that is so necessary these days.

[shance]

26. It's not a problem of belief per se, I see it as a problem that religions

and I mean, ALL religions, can potentially promote unhealthy divisions and/of the "Im right and don't criticize my religion". All religions and/or groups for that matter can potentially create isolation and division when communication is so important.

All religions can promote this and I believe it is harmful, because as human beings we are all connected. That I believe is where we must focus.

On the other hand and with regards to this thread, we must also not be afraid of asking some difficult questions.

That's my opinion.

[Behind the Aegis]

29. Ask yourself this...

What would think of someone who was talking about criminals, in general, then emphasized the "Black" ones? Hey shance, did you see all the Black 'looters,' and white 'finders' in NOLA? They were doing the same thing, but race was used to distinguish them as doing "different" activities.

This is no different when I hear people talking about the Jewish neocons. Unless you are doing a breakdown of religious affiliation, then why even mention it? Look at your very statement......."I brought up a question regarding the Jewish Neocons (Wolfowitz, Perle, etc) and said they are equal partners in the same problems and prejudice as the Christian neocons..." If they are indeed equal, then why distinguish them? Also, you speak of a 'question' about 'them,' whilst stating they are just like the Christian ones. So what was the question?

Like your experience, mine is almost in reverse. I find some here have no issue criticizing Israel, but say anything against the PA or another Arab/Muslim government and you are labeled an Islamaphobe.

[shance]

34. You bring up a good point BTA. I guess I was being exclusive

I will add my friend is also pretty quick to bring up the Christian evangelicals, which of course is important and "God" knows deserve scrutiny. I would add I guess we are all guilty of this in some way, and perhaps a good question is, what can we do to get away from labels, and deal more with people on an individual basis?

Perhaps its difficult when we have countries period. This country against that country. Its caused alot of heartache and tragedy has it not? I would pose the question is it worth it? All countries and I will speak as an American and my experience being raised here, can breed a rather blind nationalistic perspective in kids. It was not really until my thirties I began to question my country and began looking into our history and beginning to find answers and facts that contradicted much if not all what I had been taught in school. It has been quite an awakening, and often painful, but I feel certainly more authentic now than I ever did before I began questioning alot of what Ive been taught and learned in school.

[Behind the Aegis]

40. the nature of the beast

When your friend speaks of Christian evangelicals, s/he is speaking of a segment of the Christian faith. And, although, they can still be broad-brushed, generally, attacks on them are not attacks on all of Christendom. It would be nice to get away from labels, but sometimes they are needed because are dealing with a group, not an individual.

"Neo-con" has been used as a code word for some as "Jew." It is mainly used this way by the extreme right (think: David Duke). Many of things attributed to the 'neo-cons' comes straight from "The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion." Have you read that? I can provide you a link so you can look through it (it is VERY long), but you will certain aspects that have been used in modern arguments. Many Jews, myself included, bristle when we see 'theories' about Israeli involvement in things. It is not to say that Israel is perfect, above reproach, or incapable of deception, that is simply not true. However, many times, the "Israeli involvement" is 'much ado about nothing,' and is based in the conspiracy of Jews trying to take over the world.

I agree that country against country has caused much heartache, but it no different than the 'first murder' (Cain and Able). Whether it is on the individual level, the national level (civil wars), or international level (world conflicts), the point is to see as many sides as possible and be wary of pitfalls and propaganda. Also, as it wise not to underestimate one's enemy, one should also not underestimate one's own side and its use of propaganda and deception. You have learned that last part, in some respects.

The "new" anti-Semitism (and I am not accusing you of it) is a tricky and nasty beast. Many are unaware of it, many deny it exists, and others (Jews and non-Jews) manipulate it to silence the 'enemy.'

Paranoid people have real enemies too. :)

[bryant69]

17. You are talking about America in general, not DU

Here at DU there are plenty of potshots taken at Israel. Many warranted, many not.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Colorado Blue]

4. No, they're not.

No state outside of Egypt and Jordan, even recognizes Israel. They've been boycotting the Israelis economically since 1948.

[JCMach1]

23. Yes, you cannot even buy Israeli goods here.

Irony: many products are made with Palestinian labor...

[Colorado Blue]

35. That's the shame of it all. The non-recognition and boycott

of Israel is harming the Palestinian people as much as anybody.

This is especially true of the people in the refugee camps, who've been there - in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, since 1948. Most of the Arab League states have immigration restrictions against the Palestinians and in Lebanon, for example, they're still fighting for the simple right to hold a job - let alone purchase property. Only Jordan has really been fair. But the entire region is poor, and would benefit directly and immediately from trade with Israel, and an expansion of her technological and especially, her desalinization and irrigation techniques.

It's just tragic. Israel and the Palestinian people are being held hostage to what is essentially a regional problem, and which will require regional good will, cooperation and lots of money, to solve.

[CJCRANE]

5. What's with this trying to throw Israel

into the discussion?

I see some interference happening here.

[shance]

9. Where in the world is the interference? Are you saying there would be

no possibility of this?

Why? Because you say so?

Why is it that people become defensive of criticizing Israel's policies in any way?

It's a dangerous precedent when people are immediately shut down, called anti-Semitic, and/or intimidated not to talk about or ask questions about Israel.

It is a country just like every other that warrants honest and open discussion.

Am I wrong?

[JCMach1]

10. Trust me, I would not hesitate to criticize Israel if this were true

ummmmm it isn't...

[shance]

13. The issue is not "criticizing Israel". The issue is getting to the truth.

That is the only way to understand any problem and consequently the only way to reconcile any situation in a healthy, constructive manner.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

18. the problem is there is NO TRUTH

to your 'statement'. There won't be any as the UAE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE ISRAEL. Your statements suggesting that the UAE is some front company for Israel has gone from Riduculous Speculation straight to Ludicrous Speculation...you can't even be taken seriously...

sP

[ProdigalJunkMail]

11. it is not a dangerous precedent when uninformed people

are told they are uninformed. UAE does not recognize Israel...your post is ludicrous even if it is just repeating what someone else spewed...

sP

[shance]

16. Why not say there is no evidence instead of criticizing me

and demeaning the question even being posed. Its a bit like the narrow minded responses we receive from so many Right wingers.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

20. you are so wrong as to be laughable

please read all of the statements in this thread that indicate that the UAE does not even recognize Israel...there is your 'evidence.'

sP

[CJCRANE]

12. No, I'm just being touchy.

Someone else brought in "Zionism" on another thread I thought inappropriately.

It's just an easy trap to fall into to bring Israel into a discussion and get set up to be called anti-semitic.

I'm not saying you're anti-semitic, just trying to warn DUers not to fall into that trap.

I'm sorry if I misread your motives.

[JCMach1]

19. yeah, I have little doubt someone has already blogged

somewhere in this world how the CIA and Israel were involved in the bombings today in Samarra...

Time to evolve...

[JCMach1]

6. Say What?

Whatever tinfoil you might wear, this is ludicrous!

[Behind the Aegis]

7. ...

:eyes:

[cali]

14. Please locate it.

I'd like the opportunity to swing at it like it's a cheap pinata. Regarding your post about criticism of Israel: Of course it's valid, particularly concerning Palestine. What's not valid is this sort of desperate attempt to connect Israel to an issue which it has no connection to. And yes there's plenty of it. The WTC, war in Iraq, calling Israeli policy genocide, etc. If you can't tell the difference between meaningful criticism and a slur, that's a shame.

[reality based]

21. The only connection

that I have seen is an alleged tie in of BCCI to Mark Rich, who was pardoned by Clinton supposedly at the behest of the Israeli government. The former head of the UAE was a large shareholder in BCCI.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_Credit_and_Commerce_International
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Rich

[iconoclastNYC]

24. This thread seems like flame bait.

[shance]

28. Iconoclast, tell me, why is asking this question flame bait?

Shall we never ask questions about Israeli policy?

Is the refusal to ask such questions not an unhealthy precedent in and of itself?

It may very well not be true. However if there is a connection, would that not be warranted to look at?

[Behind the Aegis]

31. You aren't questioning Israeli policy.

You are making an assertion based on something you read that no one else has seen. It is nothing but speculation...that is what some of us are having an issue with.

[shance]

37. No assertion made was ever made BTA. A question yes, an assertion NO.

n/t

[iconoclastNYC]

32. This is about U.S. policy it's not about Isreal.

I'm a huge Isreal critic but we need to stay on message.

This is about BUSH selling out our national security so his CRONIES and his Arab paymasters can make a couple hundred million dollars or more.

[shance]

39. AGAIN, its NOT ABOUT criticizing Israel. Its about asking questions.

In my opinion necessary questions.

I don't like asking questions about our US government, but I do. I do because I have come to realize that information for all of us as citizens, is our power.

I have to say I'm pretty amazed and somewhat disappointed at the defensive reactions here.

What if we reacted in such a way from questions directed at those in our Administration and government.

[muriel_volestrangler]

43. You still haven't shown us anything from the Huffington Post

and without that, the question makes no more sense than "is the UAE a front for Argentina?" Are asking the question for all countries, or just Israel?

[ProdigalJunkMail]

33. because it is so stupid as to be assinine

you are proving your desire to create some sort of controversy by not just stepping back and admitting that you had no business talking about something so ludicrous. Accept the fact that your repeating something like this was uninformed...but no, you won't even accept that the UAE DOES NOT EVEN RECOGNIZE ISRAEL. But it has become obvious that is not going to happen...

sP

[11cents]

42. You didn't ask a question about Israeli policy.

You asked whether the UAE, an Arab country, was a front for Israel. It's like asking, "Hey, I think I read somewhere that Norway is a front for Israeli interests. Can anyone confirm that?" It was a question so ludicrous, and it's so impossible to imagine it being asked about any other country, that people are quite right to wonder about motivations in this case.

But please, do go on. You're saying now that it may not be true that an Arab country is a front for Israel, but it would be warranted to look into it. Where should we begin?

[CJCRANE]

38. Yep. Israel has nothing to do with the UAE port deal. nt

[madrchsod]

25. if the deal is right and the money is there

race,religion,or country doesn`t make one dam bit of difference to those at the top.

[shance]

30. Absolutely. I think that is a sad reality that we must address.

Where are the principles in a free market society? Does the "free market" eventually become anything but free and it becomes a feudal society?

Where is the social responsibility that is imperitive in sustaining a workable, viable society and planet?

[Emit]

27. Have you found the link at Huffington Post yet? n/t

[shance]

36. No I haven't been over there again. I will get there! It was under

under the article about the ports.

There were posters who were linking information from different websites about the possibilities of who and what is involved in the transaction.

[Coastie for Truth]

41. Mrs. Coastie says this is a tie in between

the UAE arms merchants and the South Philadlephia "Organized Crime" families, with some Medellion Money thrown in.

(and she lived in South Phillie)

[Lex]

44. Locking.

This thread has flamed out.

Lex
DU Moderator