Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Is the EU Going Soft on Israel?
A Jewish newspaper has a major article on what they see as changing EU attitudes towards Israel - mainly because of the rise of Hamas. They note that the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip this week has been barely mentioned, whereas in the past such actions would have been denounced.
A change? If so, definitely a sign of progress.
Muted reaction to Gaza offensive highlights shift in EU Mideast policy
The article also notes that the EU wants to re-cozy back up with the Bush administration after making assholes of themselves in their zeal to oppose the Iraq war.
If this is all true, or even partially true, it is a wonderful development.
A Jewish newspaper has a major article on what they see as changing EU attitudes towards Israel - mainly because of the rise of Hamas. They note that the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip this week has been barely mentioned, whereas in the past such actions would have been denounced.
A change? If so, definitely a sign of progress.
Muted reaction to Gaza offensive highlights shift in EU Mideast policy
The shift is subtle but unmistakable. European governments - long accused of being pro-Arab - have toned down criticism of Israel, left in shock by the rise to power of Islamic Hamas which they consider a terrorist outfit.
The rise of Hamas and the subsequent deterioration of peace prospects have left the EU in a quandary. The election of the Hamas government has pulled the rug from under its €500 million (US$626.5 million) a year aid package that feeds, clothes and educates many Palestinians and distanced the EU from them.
After the Hamas government was sworn in, the EU strongly condemned it on April 10 for refusing to recognize Israel in a one-page statement whose brevity contrasted with the bloc's usually long Mideast declarations that take pains to show balance.
The EU's tilt toward the Jewish state was highlighted after Israel's attacks on infrastructure targets in the Gaza Strip. Normally such strikes elicit stinging rebukes, but this time they brought only limp appeals to both sides to resolve the crisis through diplomacy.
The EU formally denies any policy shift.
The article also notes that the EU wants to re-cozy back up with the Bush administration after making assholes of themselves in their zeal to oppose the Iraq war.
If this is all true, or even partially true, it is a wonderful development.
