Mission to IsraelMission to Israel20042004

As seen byAs seen by

Netiva CaftoriNetiva Caftori

Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicagoof Metropolitan Chicago

Faculty Mission to Israel Faculty Mission to Israel (August 16-23, 2004)

Martin Kramer – Martin Kramer – Moshe Dayan Moshe Dayan Center for Center for Middle Eastern Middle Eastern and African and African Studies, Tel-Studies, Tel-Aviv University Aviv University

author of Ivory author of Ivory Towers on SandTowers on Sand

Overview of the situationOverview of the situation

– Arab media portrays Israel as the cause Arab media portrays Israel as the cause of terrorism, stating that 9/11 was a of terrorism, stating that 9/11 was a Mossad plot; Israel/Jews manipulated the Mossad plot; Israel/Jews manipulated the minds of the highjackers as they do minds of the highjackers as they do Pres. Bush and Vice President Chaney.Pres. Bush and Vice President Chaney.

– The Palestinians are losing the media The Palestinians are losing the media war within the US by emulating 9/11 war within the US by emulating 9/11 tactics.tactics.

– Israel defines terrorism by the type of Israel defines terrorism by the type of action, while the Palestinians define action, while the Palestinians define terrorism by motive – where fighting terrorism by motive – where fighting occupation is not terrorism.occupation is not terrorism.

Cont.Cont.

– Israel’s main concerns prior to 9/11 were Israel’s main concerns prior to 9/11 were Palestinian terrorism and Iran. 9/11 gave Palestinian terrorism and Iran. 9/11 gave Israel a license to fight terrorism, and Israel a license to fight terrorism, and Iraq provided Israel with a window of Iraq provided Israel with a window of opportunity to pursue that fight.opportunity to pursue that fight.

– Stable peace with Egypt and Jordan Stable peace with Egypt and Jordan continuescontinues

Upside of US war with IraqUpside of US war with Iraq

– During the Iraq war, Israel followed and During the Iraq war, Israel followed and didn’t oppose the US. Whereas the US is didn’t oppose the US. Whereas the US is bogged down in Iraq, Israel is safer bogged down in Iraq, Israel is safer because Iraq serves as an object lesson because Iraq serves as an object lesson to other Arab countries. to other Arab countries.

– Hopefully, the US quandary will lead to Hopefully, the US quandary will lead to better understanding of Israel’s position better understanding of Israel’s position and actions toward the Palestinians.and actions toward the Palestinians.

– US War with Iraq removed the threat of US War with Iraq removed the threat of an Eastern frontan Eastern front

Downside (not longer current)Downside (not longer current) Growth in Shiite radicalism and Iran’s Growth in Shiite radicalism and Iran’s

influence over the Shiainfluence over the Shia Weakening of Israel-Turkey and US-Weakening of Israel-Turkey and US-

Turkey relationshipTurkey relationship US avoiding involvement in Israel-US avoiding involvement in Israel-

Palestinian conflictPalestinian conflict World perceives US-Iraq and Israel-World perceives US-Iraq and Israel-

Palestinian as double occupation. Palestinian as double occupation. Israel is blamed for US losses. Israel is blamed for US losses. Analogy to Britain in 20-30’s.Analogy to Britain in 20-30’s.

Asher SusserAsher Susser,,Director of Dayan Center & Senior Research FellowDirector of Dayan Center & Senior Research Fellow

Arab world is in deep crisis. There is Arab world is in deep crisis. There is no central player in the region. No no central player in the region. No single nation can deliver; there is single nation can deliver; there is general Arab malaisegeneral Arab malaise

Spain translates in one year what all Spain translates in one year what all the Arab states translate in 1000 the Arab states translate in 1000 years; GNP of all the Arab states is years; GNP of all the Arab states is less than the GNP of Spain.less than the GNP of Spain.

Low status of women.Low status of women. Egypt can’t control PalestiniansEgypt can’t control Palestinians

New threats come out of Arab weakness: New threats come out of Arab weakness: 1) war of terrorism, rage of society in 1) war of terrorism, rage of society in retreat; retreat;

2) weapons of mass destruction, 2) weapons of mass destruction, including the Iranian nuclear program; including the Iranian nuclear program;

3) demography in Arab states and 3) demography in Arab states and immigration to western countriesimmigration to western countries

Why did the Palestinians launch a Why did the Palestinians launch a war against Israel?war against Israel?

They are not irrational. They are not irrational. Multiple reasons: Multiple reasons: 1) Palestinians launched terrorism when 1) Palestinians launched terrorism when

Israel left Lebanon, believing that Israel is Israel left Lebanon, believing that Israel is getting soft. getting soft.

2)Believe demography and time are in 2)Believe demography and time are in their favor, will force one-state solution their favor, will force one-state solution with a Palestinian majority and not a two-with a Palestinian majority and not a two-state solution. state solution.

3) They believe that Israeli military power 3) They believe that Israeli military power is useless in this type of war.is useless in this type of war.

The Palestinian offensive has largely The Palestinian offensive has largely failed: failed:

1) Israel can’t use great power against 1) Israel can’t use great power against Palestinians, but has shown more Palestinians, but has shown more resistance than expected. Israel was not resistance than expected. Israel was not broken by terror. broken by terror.

2) Other Arabs didn’t come to the 2) Other Arabs didn’t come to the Palestinians’ help. Palestinians’ help.

3) Although Palestinians are not winning 3) Although Palestinians are not winning their objectives in the short-term, Israel is their objectives in the short-term, Israel is losing European support and is losing European support and is increasingly isolated.increasingly isolated.

Cont. (maybe no longer current)Cont. (maybe no longer current)

Israel is making unilateral decisions, Israel is making unilateral decisions, as no partner with Palestinian leader as no partner with Palestinian leader exists and anarchy reigns, Arab exists and anarchy reigns, Arab states are weak, and US is avoiding states are weak, and US is avoiding involvement. US Democratization of involvement. US Democratization of Iraq is “pie in the sky.” Israeli Iraq is “pie in the sky.” Israeli unilateral actions may be the only unilateral actions may be the only option left.option left.

Zisser - Moshe Dayan CenterZisser - Moshe Dayan Center

Trends in the Arab World/The Trends in the Arab World/The Palestinians/Israeli ArabsPalestinians/Israeli Arabs

Israel might be able to but doesn’t want to Israel might be able to but doesn’t want to reach peace with Syria at this time. Israel reach peace with Syria at this time. Israel has no motivation for making peace has no motivation for making peace because the Syrian army is weak and because the Syrian army is weak and poses no northern threat. Israel doesn’t poses no northern threat. Israel doesn’t want problems with Golan settlers at a want problems with Golan settlers at a time when the settlers in the West Bank time when the settlers in the West Bank and Gaza are so problematic.and Gaza are so problematic.

More on SyriaMore on Syria Bashar Assad is inexperienced and has less Bashar Assad is inexperienced and has less

support than his father. But his regime is fairly support than his father. But his regime is fairly stable. The US sees Bashar as more rational than stable. The US sees Bashar as more rational than his father. his father.

Bashar wants to improve relations with the US by Bashar wants to improve relations with the US by improving relationships with Israel. As a younger improving relationships with Israel. As a younger president, he could be more flexible, but may not president, he could be more flexible, but may not be able to deliver. Like Sadat of the 70’s, he is be able to deliver. Like Sadat of the 70’s, he is ready to make a cold peace. He recognizes that a ready to make a cold peace. He recognizes that a political settlement is the only route, but Zisser is political settlement is the only route, but Zisser is not sure that Bashar is able to sign a peace not sure that Bashar is able to sign a peace treaty.treaty.

Cont.Cont.

The Syrians are not ready to “smile.” The Syrians are not ready to “smile.” There is a lack of public diplomacy, and There is a lack of public diplomacy, and expressed holocaust denial. But Bashar expressed holocaust denial. But Bashar has made some small signs that he is has made some small signs that he is interested in peace.interested in peace.

Sharon has encouraged construction in Sharon has encouraged construction in the Golan, but there are only 10,000 the Golan, but there are only 10,000 settlers there.settlers there.

In Lebanon, the Hezbollah is a potential In Lebanon, the Hezbollah is a potential threat. The border is very quiet.threat. The border is very quiet.

Ellie RechessEllie Rechess, - , - Moshe Dayan CenterMoshe Dayan Center Trends in the Arab World/The Trends in the Arab World/The

Palestinians/Israeli ArabsPalestinians/Israeli Arabs In one word, the situation is “good,” in two words In one word, the situation is “good,” in two words

it is “not good.”it is “not good.” 20% (1.3 million) of the population is Arab 20% (1.3 million) of the population is Arab

including East Jerusalem, 85% Muslim, 7 % Druze, including East Jerusalem, 85% Muslim, 7 % Druze, and 7% Christianand 7% Christian

60% of Arabs live north of Haifa, and Arabs are 60% of Arabs live north of Haifa, and Arabs are the majority in the Galilee and Negev (130,000 the majority in the Galilee and Negev (130,000 Bedouin). Arabs have 3.5% growth rate, with Jews Bedouin). Arabs have 3.5% growth rate, with Jews 1.1-1.2%, and Bedouins 5.5% (world record, 1.1-1.2%, and Bedouins 5.5% (world record, population doubles every 12 years)population doubles every 12 years)

Palestinians see role of growing Israeli Arab Palestinians see role of growing Israeli Arab population as another front “Arab minority with population as another front “Arab minority with the mentality of a majority living within a Jewish the mentality of a majority living within a Jewish majority with the mentality of a minority”majority with the mentality of a minority”

Cont.Cont.

Israeli Arabs see themselves as Israeli Arabs see themselves as “Palestinian citizens of Israel”, with “Palestinian citizens of Israel”, with emotional, political and religious links emotional, political and religious links to the Palestinians.to the Palestinians.

Islamization is the major trend Islamization is the major trend among Arabs/Bedouins, providing a among Arabs/Bedouins, providing a sense of community and replacing sense of community and replacing government where Israel has government where Israel has neglected servicesneglected services

Arabs want to stay in Israel and influence Arabs want to stay in Israel and influence the type of state it will becomethe type of state it will become

Arabs and Jews mix mostly in urban Arabs and Jews mix mostly in urban localities, not in villages or settlements.localities, not in villages or settlements.

When Israel opposed a 2-state solution in When Israel opposed a 2-state solution in the 1980’s, the Arab states supported it. the 1980’s, the Arab states supported it. Now that Israel supports it, the Arab states Now that Israel supports it, the Arab states oppose it. The strategy is to ‘move the oppose it. The strategy is to ‘move the goal posts’ and sabotage peace. They goal posts’ and sabotage peace. They refer to a 2-state solution as South African refer to a 2-state solution as South African Apartheid, while 30% of Israelis want a Apartheid, while 30% of Israelis want a Greater Israel. Palestinians want a majority Greater Israel. Palestinians want a majority Arab rule in 1-state solution. Israeli Arabs Arab rule in 1-state solution. Israeli Arabs talk about a ‘state for all its citizens’ as a talk about a ‘state for all its citizens’ as a euphemism for dejudaising Israel.euphemism for dejudaising Israel.

Bottom line: One state solution is a pipe dream, Bottom line: One state solution is a pipe dream, which would sabotage any political solution and which would sabotage any political solution and destroy Israel as we know it.destroy Israel as we know it.

Fence: seen as a means of disengagement versus Fence: seen as a means of disengagement versus integration. It is a protection against the integration. It is a protection against the demographic weapon as well as a means for demographic weapon as well as a means for physical security. The placement of the fence physical security. The placement of the fence could decide which Israeli Arabs are inside, or could decide which Israeli Arabs are inside, or outside of Israel.outside of Israel.

Israel’s main threat is Iran. 70,000 US troops who Israel’s main threat is Iran. 70,000 US troops who moved from Europe to Iraq pose a challenge to moved from Europe to Iraq pose a challenge to Iran to diffuse weapons of mass destruction Iran to diffuse weapons of mass destruction (WMD). However without an international (WMD). However without an international coalition, the US is powerless to act against Iran coalition, the US is powerless to act against Iran and is trying to disengage from the region.and is trying to disengage from the region.

Neoconservatives in US are pro Zionism. (Lipson).Neoconservatives in US are pro Zionism. (Lipson).

Stuart Schoffman, Ass. Editor and Columnist Stuart Schoffman, Ass. Editor and Columnist

for the Jerusalem Reportfor the Jerusalem Report Israel Today: The Impact of the Matzav on Israel Today: The Impact of the Matzav on

Israeli SocietyIsraeli Society Cats have ‘Arafat Lives’Cats have ‘Arafat Lives’ People have a blurred understanding of the People have a blurred understanding of the

boundary between Jewish religion, culture and boundary between Jewish religion, culture and nationality. Zionism was initially a minority Jewish nationality. Zionism was initially a minority Jewish position. Herzl believed Israel would be a home position. Herzl believed Israel would be a home for those who would or could not assimilatefor those who would or could not assimilate

Israelis are divided among people who care, or Israelis are divided among people who care, or don’t care about what others think don’t care about what others think

Immigration cannot solve the demographic Immigration cannot solve the demographic impasse; only a two-state solution.impasse; only a two-state solution.

There is lots of propaganda against Israel in There is lots of propaganda against Israel in Islamic and other circles, often depicting the Islamic and other circles, often depicting the Jewish Puppeteer controlling the US and US Jewish Puppeteer controlling the US and US moneymoney

Israel reacts to anti-Semitism in 3 ways: Israel reacts to anti-Semitism in 3 ways: 1) no matter what we do we’re in the wrong; 1) no matter what we do we’re in the wrong; 2) try to turn down the flame; or 2) try to turn down the flame; or 3) we have the right to exist. Anti-Zionism 3) we have the right to exist. Anti-Zionism

becomes anti-Semitism when only the Jews are becomes anti-Semitism when only the Jews are denied a state.denied a state.

US is the only reliable ally for Israel, but campus US is the only reliable ally for Israel, but campus humanities departments are turning against humanities departments are turning against IsraelIsrael

The way to help our students is to be multi-vocal. The way to help our students is to be multi-vocal. We need liberal Zionist role models that are We need liberal Zionist role models that are sensitive to human rights. We should not defend sensitive to human rights. We should not defend everything Israel does; it is OK to voice dissent everything Israel does; it is OK to voice dissent and anxiety.and anxiety.

Jonathon Fighel, Executive Deputy Director Jonathon Fighel, Executive Deputy Director International Policy Institute for Counter-International Policy Institute for Counter-

Terrorism. Former military governor of Jenin, Terrorism. Former military governor of Jenin, Ramala, Tulkarm.Ramala, Tulkarm.

The Terrorist Threat against Israel The Terrorist Threat against Israel and the United Statesand the United States– See article “Going Backwards” on the Al Qaida See article “Going Backwards” on the Al Qaida

Hezbollah connection c/o Hezbollah connection c/o http://http://www.charleslipson.comwww.charleslipson.com under top terrorism under top terrorism site.site.

– Terrorism is the use of terror for political goals. Terrorism is the use of terror for political goals. It is less important to look at the goals than at It is less important to look at the goals than at the actions. People agree on fear of threats, the actions. People agree on fear of threats, but not on level or definition of terrorism – or but not on level or definition of terrorism – or who is a terrorist.who is a terrorist.

– Israel is facing three threats from Israel is facing three threats from ArabsArabs

Suicide attacks, small scale, with support Suicide attacks, small scale, with support (“out-sourcing”) of community. They (“out-sourcing”) of community. They recruit Israeli Arabs.recruit Israeli Arabs.

Non-conventional weapons to inflict fear, Non-conventional weapons to inflict fear, as government can’t stop them. They are as government can’t stop them. They are not intended to totally destroy an area, but not intended to totally destroy an area, but to contaminate it so as to paralyze the to contaminate it so as to paralyze the government’s ability to act. They are used government’s ability to act. They are used to pressure a government and inflict to pressure a government and inflict anxiety on population, such as the Madrid anxiety on population, such as the Madrid elections or Barak/Sharon or Rabin/Peres elections or Barak/Sharon or Rabin/Peres election (1994-6). The level of anxiety is election (1994-6). The level of anxiety is proportional to scale of attack. Islamic proportional to scale of attack. Islamic Caliphate (kingdom) goal, ends justify Caliphate (kingdom) goal, ends justify means, Jihadmeans, Jihad

– Israel is also facing threats from Jewish Israel is also facing threats from Jewish Terrorism (radical right wing)Terrorism (radical right wing)

– How to fight terrorism?How to fight terrorism? Religious approach as anti suicideReligious approach as anti suicide Stop money launderingStop money laundering Psychological warfare; special Psychological warfare; special

operationsoperations Punishment/forcePunishment/force

– Difficult to fight terrorism democratically Difficult to fight terrorism democratically because it is difficult to get information because it is difficult to get information easily through democratically elected easily through democratically elected officials. Radicals can get information officials. Radicals can get information more easily.more easily.

– Terrorist organizations are Terrorist organizations are rationalrational, not , not emotional. They manipulate our emotions emotional. They manipulate our emotions through their actions. Deeds are through their actions. Deeds are premeditated and planned (e.g. premeditated and planned (e.g. symbolism of beheading with a sword). symbolism of beheading with a sword). Dissemination is often firstly through the Dissemination is often firstly through the Internet, knowing it will be picked up by Internet, knowing it will be picked up by major news stations.major news stations.

– Our goal is to delegitimize suicide from being a Our goal is to delegitimize suicide from being a respected norm, which is glorified in schools and respected norm, which is glorified in schools and posters. A Shahid is a status symbol conferring posters. A Shahid is a status symbol conferring immortality. People are afraid to oppose radical immortality. People are afraid to oppose radical Islam. We should go over the heads of jihads and Islam. We should go over the heads of jihads and reach more reasonable people. reach more reasonable people.

– Americans need to understand the mindset of Americans need to understand the mindset of opponents and their recruitment methods. Israel opponents and their recruitment methods. Israel can help by teaching about their mindset and by can help by teaching about their mindset and by sharing intelligence.sharing intelligence.

– Terrorism can be controlled and reduced Terrorism can be controlled and reduced to a tolerable level, but not eradicated. to a tolerable level, but not eradicated. Democracy is sensitive to the impact of Democracy is sensitive to the impact of terrorism. Societies differ by the level of terrorism. Societies differ by the level of violence they are willing to accept before violence they are willing to accept before rejecting the current government. rejecting the current government. Terrorism attacks populations and leads Terrorism attacks populations and leads to loss of civil liberties.to loss of civil liberties.

– Can’t effectively fight terrorism with Can’t effectively fight terrorism with technology; we need the human element technology; we need the human element to obtain information in advance. to obtain information in advance.

– Expect terrorism to continue, as well as Expect terrorism to continue, as well as the Islamic war of attrition.the Islamic war of attrition.

– We use alerts as a substitute for good We use alerts as a substitute for good intelligence.intelligence.

– Nuclear weapons are not the major Nuclear weapons are not the major problem.problem.

General Shlomo Brom, Senior Research General Shlomo Brom, Senior Research

Associate (Jaffe Institute)Associate (Jaffe Institute) 1.1. (see Strategic Papers, (see Strategic Papers,

Tel-Aviv notes at Tel-Aviv notes at www.tau.ac.il/jcsswww.tau.ac.il/jcss))

Global Environment:Global Environment: A decade after the end of the cold war, we live in A decade after the end of the cold war, we live in

a uni-polar world with only the US superpower. a uni-polar world with only the US superpower. The Arabs lost their USSR patron. Regionally, The Arabs lost their USSR patron. Regionally, Arab unity is dead with Israel strongest power in Arab unity is dead with Israel strongest power in region.region.

Israel’s GDP is greater than the combined GDP of Israel’s GDP is greater than the combined GDP of all combined neighbors, so can invest in more all combined neighbors, so can invest in more securitysecurity

Economic strategy is towards high tech industry, Economic strategy is towards high tech industry, including weapons.including weapons.

Israel has moved from “Zionism = racism” to Israel has moved from “Zionism = racism” to being courted by eastern Europe and Asia, while being courted by eastern Europe and Asia, while being rejected by western powers.being rejected by western powers.

Israel sees globalization as an opportunity, not a Israel sees globalization as an opportunity, not a threat, whereas the Arabs see it as a threat threat, whereas the Arabs see it as a threat causing growing unemployment.causing growing unemployment.

Changing European-Israel relations as Changing European-Israel relations as Europe becomes a world power: Israel’s Europe becomes a world power: Israel’s economic and scientific relationship, and economic and scientific relationship, and even defense relationships with the EU are even defense relationships with the EU are improving (e.g., the Israeli military has improving (e.g., the Israeli military has excellent relations with the French excellent relations with the French military), but the political relationship is military), but the political relationship is deteriorating because of the Palestinian deteriorating because of the Palestinian conflict. The main issues are not the conflict. The main issues are not the Muslim voters in the EU, as few vote, but Muslim voters in the EU, as few vote, but exporting Middle East problems to EU exporting Middle East problems to EU (terrorism, illegal immigrants). (terrorism, illegal immigrants).

Local Environment:Local Environment:

Arab unity is dead, the Arab League is ineffective, and there Arab unity is dead, the Arab League is ineffective, and there is no prospect of an Arab coalition against Israel.is no prospect of an Arab coalition against Israel.

Israel has military superiority. The current debate in Israel Israel has military superiority. The current debate in Israel is whether it would take two days or three to defeat Syria. is whether it would take two days or three to defeat Syria. Israel is more adaptive to the nature of war than is the US.Israel is more adaptive to the nature of war than is the US.

Palestinian anarchy/fragmentation is growing, as the PA Palestinian anarchy/fragmentation is growing, as the PA (national-secular camp) loses power to Islamic and Fatah (national-secular camp) loses power to Islamic and Fatah groups. Secularists are supported by regional powers, while groups. Secularists are supported by regional powers, while the street supports Islamicists. The secular camp and two-the street supports Islamicists. The secular camp and two-state solution camp are weakening and losing legitimacy as state solution camp are weakening and losing legitimacy as the peace process failed. There is a debate over value of the peace process failed. There is a debate over value of violence vs political response. Arafat’s policy is to stay in violence vs political response. Arafat’s policy is to stay in power while resisting changes to status quo. Islamist power while resisting changes to status quo. Islamist support is growing but military power is weakening due to support is growing but military power is weakening due to targeted killings. Hamas is presenting more moderate targeted killings. Hamas is presenting more moderate policies to outsiders about long-term cease-fire (policies to outsiders about long-term cease-fire (hudnahudna) but ) but does not accept State of Israel. does not accept State of Israel.

The failure of the military venue has lead to two The failure of the military venue has lead to two new approaches: (i) low intensity conflict new approaches: (i) low intensity conflict (terrorism) and (ii) WMD.(terrorism) and (ii) WMD.

– Terrorism is unpleasant but not an existential threat. It Terrorism is unpleasant but not an existential threat. It can be contained, as in fire-fighting. It cannot be can be contained, as in fire-fighting. It cannot be solved militarily, but it can give political leaders room solved militarily, but it can give political leaders room to maneuver. Sharon can afford to take the risks of to maneuver. Sharon can afford to take the risks of disengagement.disengagement.

– Israel’s enemies have developed a growing threat of Israel’s enemies have developed a growing threat of non-conventional weapons since 1960’s, especially non-conventional weapons since 1960’s, especially biological and chemical weapons. Iran is trying to biological and chemical weapons. Iran is trying to develop nuclear capacity, which is an existential develop nuclear capacity, which is an existential threat. They can be fought be having a credible threat. They can be fought be having a credible deterrence. Brom is not convinced that Iran will deterrence. Brom is not convinced that Iran will succeed in building a nuclear weapon; diplomacy and succeed in building a nuclear weapon; diplomacy and threats may work. But he is concerned about other threats may work. But he is concerned about other Arab nations becoming nuclear players. Uran is a very Arab nations becoming nuclear players. Uran is a very practical nation and is not willing to trade Teheran for practical nation and is not willing to trade Teheran for Tel Aviv.Tel Aviv.

Israel has an effective missile shield, which is a Israel has an effective missile shield, which is a huge deterrence. The small size of the country is huge deterrence. The small size of the country is an advantage. The Arrow is “90%” effective.an advantage. The Arrow is “90%” effective.

Fear of irrational action regardless of Fear of irrational action regardless of consequence, fear of domino effect in Middle East consequence, fear of domino effect in Middle East and increased chance of a mistake, but Israel is and increased chance of a mistake, but Israel is only nuclear country.only nuclear country.

Turkey-Israel relationship was beneficial in the Turkey-Israel relationship was beneficial in the past where Turkey exploited Israel’s relationship past where Turkey exploited Israel’s relationship with the US and Israel used Turkish air space for with the US and Israel used Turkish air space for training (quasi-military alliance). But Turkey training (quasi-military alliance). But Turkey doesn’t need Israel to connect to the EU. doesn’t need Israel to connect to the EU.

The disengagement option is more of a knee jerk The disengagement option is more of a knee jerk reaction because there is no one to work with. reaction because there is no one to work with.

Martin Kramer, Moshe Dayan Center for Martin Kramer, Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies, Middle Eastern and African Studies,

Tel-Aviv UniversityTel-Aviv University

How the Middle East is taught in US How the Middle East is taught in US UniversitiesUniversities

In the 1980’s – 1990’s people were riveted In the 1980’s – 1990’s people were riveted by mobilizing impact of Islam on ME by mobilizing impact of Islam on ME development.development.

Edward Said’s “Orientalism” had a major Edward Said’s “Orientalism” had a major impact on the field as a manifesto for ME impact on the field as a manifesto for ME studies.studies.

ME studies were previously run as a guild, ME studies were previously run as a guild, with a high professional standard. This was with a high professional standard. This was shifted to a populist third world trajectory.shifted to a populist third world trajectory.

70% of students study on government federal 70% of students study on government federal scholarships under Area Studies Title 6 centers.scholarships under Area Studies Title 6 centers.

ME studies have become Arabo-Centric, ME studies have become Arabo-Centric, marginalizing other factions and with an marginalizing other factions and with an underlying prejudice against Israel. Zionism is underlying prejudice against Israel. Zionism is presented not as a national movement but as a presented not as a national movement but as a colonial implant, and Israel as an occupier. colonial implant, and Israel as an occupier. Kramer’s comment is that unlike the Algerian Kramer’s comment is that unlike the Algerian colonialists, who thought of themselves as colonialists, who thought of themselves as Frenchmen, Jews have the right of self-Frenchmen, Jews have the right of self-identification and self-expression as any other identification and self-expression as any other people.people.

In Said’s view, the Palestinians are the “Arab In Said’s view, the Palestinians are the “Arab hope” for the future of the ME. Iraq was another. hope” for the future of the ME. Iraq was another. Not one Iraq expert in MESA initially opposed the Not one Iraq expert in MESA initially opposed the war in Iraq.war in Iraq.

ProfProf. . Ephraim Yuchtman-Yaar, Head of Ephraim Yuchtman-Yaar, Head of the Tami Steinmetz Center for Peace the Tami Steinmetz Center for Peace Research, Trends in Public Opinion Research, Trends in Public Opinion

(eppie@post.tau.ac.il)(eppie@post.tau.ac.il)

There was a pendulum effect on Israeli politics between left There was a pendulum effect on Israeli politics between left and right parties. But this effect is no longer valid, as the and right parties. But this effect is no longer valid, as the Left has been abandoned by the Israeli public.Left has been abandoned by the Israeli public.

The Oslo agreement failed for the following reasons:The Oslo agreement failed for the following reasons: (i) It lacked the pre-contractual elements that are required (i) It lacked the pre-contractual elements that are required

to sustain the long-term survival of the contract. Shared to sustain the long-term survival of the contract. Shared values and trust were lacking.values and trust were lacking.

(ii) It lacked built-in measures to deal with violations (ii) It lacked built-in measures to deal with violations (iii) The Oslo process had a built in asymmetry, where (iii) The Oslo process had a built in asymmetry, where

Israel gives up tangibles (land, return of PLO government) Israel gives up tangibles (land, return of PLO government) in return for PLO modifying their charter to accept the in return for PLO modifying their charter to accept the Jewish state and fighting terror. They were supposed to Jewish state and fighting terror. They were supposed to hand over terrorists to Israel. (They never did, having a hand over terrorists to Israel. (They never did, having a revolving door imprisonment at best). There were revolving door imprisonment at best). There were Palestinian violations as early as 12/93.Palestinian violations as early as 12/93.

Michael Oren, Senior Fellow Shalom Center Michael Oren, Senior Fellow Shalom Center (Zionist, Conservative)(Zionist, Conservative)

Israel faces at least 5 existential threats:Israel faces at least 5 existential threats: Conventional military threat, millions of soldiers and Conventional military threat, millions of soldiers and

5000 tanks, 3000-4000 planes5000 tanks, 3000-4000 planes Missiles with an array of warheads (not including Missiles with an array of warheads (not including

nuclear), threats of wiping us out, can strike anywherenuclear), threats of wiping us out, can strike anywhere Terrorist threats no longer perceived as nuisance, used Terrorist threats no longer perceived as nuisance, used

to unravel society and undermine the economy, to unravel society and undermine the economy, multiplier affect. Terror when it ceases to terrorize multiplier affect. Terror when it ceases to terrorize doesn’t undermine. Intifada cost more casualties than doesn’t undermine. Intifada cost more casualties than Vietnam war. Greatest moral victory of not demolishing Vietnam war. Greatest moral victory of not demolishing other side, unmatched by other threatened countries.other side, unmatched by other threatened countries.

Demographic threat, controversial, maintains Jewish and Demographic threat, controversial, maintains Jewish and democratic character. Main function of fence, Bedouin democratic character. Main function of fence, Bedouin problem marrying Palestinian women (200,000 moved problem marrying Palestinian women (200,000 moved from territories to Israel, not love matches but arranged from territories to Israel, not love matches but arranged to get Israel social services and promote family to get Israel social services and promote family reunification in Israel).reunification in Israel).

Environmental threat including competition for resources Environmental threat including competition for resources and contamination by Israel and neighboring states (e.g. and contamination by Israel and neighboring states (e.g. desalination) desalination)

Israel, the 100th smallest country, with less than Israel, the 100th smallest country, with less than 1/1000th of the world's population, can make claim 1/1000th of the world's population, can make claim

to the following:Israelto the following:Israel Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to Israel has the highest ratio of university degrees to

the population in the world.the population in the world. Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than Israel produces more scientific papers per capita than

any other nation by a large margin - 109 per 10,000 any other nation by a large margin - 109 per 10,000 people - as well as one of the highest per capita rates people - as well as one of the highest per capita rates of patents filed.of patents filed.

In proportion to its population, Israel has the largest In proportion to its population, Israel has the largest number of startup companies in the world. In absolute number of startup companies in the world. In absolute terms, Israel has the largest number of startup terms, Israel has the largest number of startup companies than any other country in the world, companies than any other country in the world, except the US (3,500 companies mostly in hi-tech).except the US (3,500 companies mostly in hi-tech).

Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital Israel is ranked #2 in the world for venture capital funds right behind the US. funds right behind the US.

Outside the United States and Canada, Israel has the Outside the United States and Canada, Israel has the largest number of NASDAQ listed companies. largest number of NASDAQ listed companies.

Israel has the highest average living standards in Israel has the highest average living standards in the Middle East. The per capita income in 2000 the Middle East. The per capita income in 2000 was over $17,500, exceeding that of the UK.was over $17,500, exceeding that of the UK.

With an aerial arsenal of over 250 F-16s, Israel With an aerial arsenal of over 250 F-16s, Israel has the largest fleet of the aircraft outside of the has the largest fleet of the aircraft outside of the US.US.

Israel's $100 billion economy is larger than all of Israel's $100 billion economy is larger than all of its immediate neighbors combined.its immediate neighbors combined.

On a per capita basis, Israel has the largest On a per capita basis, Israel has the largest number of biotech start-ups.number of biotech start-ups.

Israel has the largest raptor migration in the Israel has the largest raptor migration in the world, with hundreds of thousands of African birds world, with hundreds of thousands of African birds of prey crossing as they fan out into Asia.of prey crossing as they fan out into Asia.

Twenty-four percent of Israel's workforce holds Twenty-four percent of Israel's workforce holds university degrees - ranking third in the university degrees - ranking third in the industrialized world, after the United States and industrialized world, after the United States and Holland - and 12 percent hold advanced degrees. Holland - and 12 percent hold advanced degrees.

Israel is the only liberal democracy in the Middle Israel is the only liberal democracy in the Middle East.East.

In 1984 and 1991, Israel airlifted a total of 22,000 In 1984 and 1991, Israel airlifted a total of 22,000 Ethiopian Jews at risk in Ethiopia to safety in Ethiopian Jews at risk in Ethiopia to safety in Israel.Israel.

When Golda Meir was elected Prime Minister of When Golda Meir was elected Prime Minister of Israel in 1969, she became the world's second Israel in 1969, she became the world's second elected female leader in modern times.elected female leader in modern times.

When the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya was When the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya was bombed in 1998, Israeli rescue teams were on the bombed in 1998, Israeli rescue teams were on the scene within a day - and saved three victims from scene within a day - and saved three victims from the rubble.the rubble.

Israel has the third highest rate of Israel has the third highest rate of entrepreneurship - and the highest rate among entrepreneurship - and the highest rate among women and among people over 55 - in the world. women and among people over 55 - in the world.

Relative to its population, Israel is the largest Relative to its population, Israel is the largest immigrant-absorbing nation on earth. immigrant-absorbing nation on earth.

Immigrants come in search of democracy, religious Immigrants come in search of democracy, religious freedom, and economic opportunity.freedom, and economic opportunity.

Israel was the first nation in the world to adopt the Israel was the first nation in the world to adopt the Kimberly process, an international standard that Kimberly process, an international standard that certifies diamonds as "conflict free.certifies diamonds as "conflict free.

"According to industry officials, Israel designed the "According to industry officials, Israel designed the airline industry's most impenetrable flight security. airline industry's most impenetrable flight security.

U.S. officials now look to Israel for advice on how to U.S. officials now look to Israel for advice on how to handle airborne security threats.handle airborne security threats.

Israel's Maccabi basketball team won the European Israel's Maccabi basketball team won the European championships in 2001.championships in 2001.

Israeli tennis player Anna Smashnova is the 15th Israeli tennis player Anna Smashnova is the 15th ranked female player in the world.ranked female player in the world.

Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers was produced by Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers was produced by Haim Saban, an Israeli whose family fled persecution Haim Saban, an Israeli whose family fled persecution in Egypt. in Egypt.

In 1991, during the Gulf War, the Israel In 1991, during the Gulf War, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra played a concert Philharmonic Orchestra played a concert wearing gas masks as scud missiles fired by wearing gas masks as scud missiles fired by Saddam Hussein fell on Tel Aviv.Saddam Hussein fell on Tel Aviv.

Israel has the world's second highest per Israel has the world's second highest per capita of new books.capita of new books.

Israel is the only country in the world that Israel is the only country in the world that entered the 21st century with a net gain in entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees.its number of trees.

Israel has more museums per capita than Israel has more museums per capita than any other country.any other country.

Israel has two official languages: Hebrew Israel has two official languages: Hebrew and Arabic. and Arabic.

MedecineMedecine Israeli scientists developed the first fully Israeli scientists developed the first fully

computerized, no-radiation, diagnostic computerized, no-radiation, diagnostic instrumentation for breast cancer.instrumentation for breast cancer.

An Israeli company developed a computerized An Israeli company developed a computerized system for ensuring proper administration of system for ensuring proper administration of medications, thus removing human error from medications, thus removing human error from medical treatment. Every year in U.S. hospitals medical treatment. Every year in U.S. hospitals 7,000 patients die from treatment mistakes.7,000 patients die from treatment mistakes.

Israel's Givun imaging developed the first Israel's Givun imaging developed the first ingestible video camera, so small it fits inside a ingestible video camera, so small it fits inside a pill. Used the view the small intestine from the pill. Used the view the small intestine from the inside, the camera helps doctors diagnose cancer inside, the camera helps doctors diagnose cancer and digestive disorders.and digestive disorders.

Researchers in Israel developed a new device Researchers in Israel developed a new device that directly helps the heart pump blood, an that directly helps the heart pump blood, an innovation with the potential to save lives among innovation with the potential to save lives among those with congestive heart failure. The new those with congestive heart failure. The new device is synchronized with the heart's device is synchronized with the heart's mechanical operations through a sophisticated mechanical operations through a sophisticated system of sensors. system of sensors.

TechnologyTechnology With more than 3,000 high-tech companies and With more than 3,000 high-tech companies and

start-ups, Israel has the highest concentration of start-ups, Israel has the highest concentration of hi-tech companies in the world (apart from the hi-tech companies in the world (apart from the Silicon Valley).Silicon Valley).

In response to serious water shortages, Israeli In response to serious water shortages, Israeli engineers and agriculturalists developed a engineers and agriculturalists developed a revolutionary drip irrigation system to minimize revolutionary drip irrigation system to minimize the amount of water used to grow crops.the amount of water used to grow crops.

Israel has the highest percentage in the world of Israel has the highest percentage in the world of home computers per capita.home computers per capita.

Israel leads the world in the number of scientists Israel leads the world in the number of scientists and technicians in the workforce, with 145 per and technicians in the workforce, with 145 per 10,000, as opposed to 85 in the U.S., over 70 in 10,000, as opposed to 85 in the U.S., over 70 in Japan, and less than 60 in Germany. Japan, and less than 60 in Germany.

With over 25% of its work force employed in With over 25% of its work force employed in technical professions, Israel places first in this technical professions, Israel places first in this category as well. category as well.

The cell phone was developed in Israel by The cell phone was developed in Israel by Motorola, which has its largest Motorola, which has its largest development center in Israel.Most of the development center in Israel.Most of the Windows NT operating system was Windows NT operating system was developed by Microsoft-Israel.The Pentium developed by Microsoft-Israel.The Pentium MMX Chip technology was designed in MMX Chip technology was designed in Israel at Intel.Voice mail technology was Israel at Intel.Voice mail technology was developed in Israel.Both Microsoft and developed in Israel.Both Microsoft and Cisco built their only R&D facilities outside Cisco built their only R&D facilities outside the US in Israel. the US in Israel.

The technology for AOL Instant Messenger The technology for AOL Instant Messenger was developed in 1996 by four young was developed in 1996 by four young Israelis.Israelis.

A new acne treatment developed in Israel, A new acne treatment developed in Israel, the ClearLight device, produces a high-the ClearLight device, produces a high-intensity, ultraviolet-light-free, narrow-intensity, ultraviolet-light-free, narrow-band blue light that causes acne bacteria band blue light that causes acne bacteria to self-destruct - all without damaging to self-destruct - all without damaging surroundings skin or tissue.surroundings skin or tissue.

An Israeli company was the first to develop An Israeli company was the first to develop and install a large-scale solar-powered and and install a large-scale solar-powered and fully functional electricity generating plant, fully functional electricity generating plant, in southern California's Mojave desert.in southern California's Mojave desert.

The first PC anti-virus software was The first PC anti-virus software was developed in Israel in 1979. developed in Israel in 1979.