Israel: Learn the Power of Words, Not Just Might, in the New Middle East

Israel must confront rather than deny democracy to Muslim countries like Egypt, Libya and Tunisia. Insistence that Egypt and the Muslim Brotherhood are ill-prepared to shed the remnants of colonization and dictatorship for constitutions and representative government is irrational, argues journalist Rachel Shabi for Haaretz. Political structures throughout the Middle East are changing quickly, yet Israel’s stance rigidly focuses on military superiority: “In this new, reconfiguring Middle East, there can be no more assumptions that Israeli actions won’t trigger regional escalations,” Shabi writes. “Losing the complicity of regional dictators means that Israel is going to have to think about deploying not brute force but mutually beneficial diplomacy – a radical shift.” The new governments in Israel’s neighborhood will surely rally behind the Palestinians. A quick and peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue could be key for Israel’s survival. – YaleGlobal