Time to Act, Not React - Israel, the Arab World, and a Democratic Shift

In 1989 the fall of the Berlin Wall, leading to the ultimate fall of communism in Europe, came as a complete surprise to the intelligence services and leaders in the western world.  The west was caught totally unprepared.  Once more the west and for our part Israel, has been caught off guard by possibly game changing events in the Arab world, still showing a lamentable lack of understanding of the Arab world.

Today, as we watch the historic events unfold in Egypt, we see that the Arab street is finally saying enough and no more to the despotic regimes which have ruled the Arab world since the end of colonialism in the region.  Lest we forget, these are the same despotic regimes which have been supported and encouraged by the western world.  It is little wonder there is resentment towards the west on the Arab street.

Beginning with Tunisia and now in Egypt, I’ll bet there are no small number of well-heeled, corrupt dictators and their families in the region making contingency and travel plans as they see they inevitable wind of change blow in their direction.  It may take some time, however their days are numbered.

No one can truly say what kind of regimes will evolve in these countries.  One can only hope.  However, as it looks on at the tumultuous changes within its neighbours, Israel has a choice.  For far too long Israel has tended to react to situations rather than take initiative and lead rather than follow events.  As regimes fall around us, and in particular the so-called, “moderate, pro-western” regimes, Israel once more enters the unknown.  The Egyptian border has been conflict free for over thirty years.  It may not be the warmest of relationships, however the coldest peace is preferable to war any day.

It occurs to me that Israel now has an opportunity to join the movement in the Arab world towards democracy by taking a brave step and moving tangibly to end the occupation of the Palestinians.  Of course it is not as simple as all that, however instead of waiting for the inevitable and reacting, perhaps for once we can take the initiative by coming up with a substantial proposal to end the occupation in the near future. 

The Palestinian papers leaked by Al Jazeera, if they are to be believed; indicate that the Palestinians are indeed prepared to make far-reaching compromises.  Let’s not wait until such a move is forced upon us by the international community. 

Let us pull the carpet from under the feet of the Islamic fundamentalists, from under the feet of Hamas, of the Iranians, who would bastardise the Palestinian issue and exploit it for their own purposes.  Let us show the Palestinian people and the wider Arab street that we welcome the coming change in the Arab world, that we too believe in social justice, in Peoples’ rights to freedom and democracy. 

Let us finally afford the Palestinian people their civil and national rights and in so doing, preserve social justice, civil rights, and democracy  for the people of Israel  improving our security and standing in our changing neighbourhood in the process.

This is the smart thing to do.   The pragmatic thing to do is act now!