The Jewish state of Israel, as most people know, is not as Jewish as some Israelis would like or would have us believe. Israeli Arabs and Christians make up about one million of the Israeli population and with a much larger birth rate amongst the Arab population, Israel Jews might not remain the largest population group on 20 years time. Given these difficulties, Israel has always welcomed Jews from around the world, including some rather more unusual Jewish sects (particularly from Ethiopia) which have little to do with Judaism as Israels would recognise it, in order to bolster the Jewish population in Israel. However, this inward migration of Jews is on the decline.
The population situation should focus Israeli minds on getting a peace deal on the most favourable terms now. But will it. The figures show that Israeli occupied Palestinian areas have a further 4 million non Jewish residents, and if you take just a few hundred thousand of these in to Israel on redrawn boundaries, which is what the Israelis seem to want, then it will put Israels Jewish population under further strain.
The problem for Israel is with it's bizarre list system of proportional representation, minority parties and hardliners hold the whip hand meaning Israeli never have the guts to do the right thing either for the Jews or the Arabs.
perhaps the population situation will focus minds because a solution to the problems in the holy land are not only desirable for the Middle East, but also in the fight against terrorism worldwide. At this time of year too, it is an absolute tragedy that the holy land is still under the shadow of guns.
7 comments:
Ah yes the old Contraceptive problem
Yes back in the days it used to be that India still had more Muslims than Pakistan
In fact now with the population being what it is there, there are more Muslims in India than there are in Indonesia (which is touted as the most populous Muslim nation) ( with the exception of Hindu Bali of course which is why that Island gets the bombs and not the others)
Plus a little known fact There may well be no Samaritans left in Israel as they tended not to outbreed and have completely inbred themselves to destruction...
At the last count in about 1983 there were about 50 left
Samaria etc
Oh well that just shows you!
If the Palestinians stop shelling Israel, there might be a chance for peace. Until they do, forget it!
old and angry, if someone stole your house and forced you to live in the toilet, do you think it was they who should make the first move for reconciliation?
Thanks Nich for raising this. You are absolutely right.
"The problem for Israel is with it's bizarre list system of proportional representation, minority parties and hardliners hold the whip hand meaning Israeli never have the guts to do the right thing either for the Jews or the Arabs."
.... and the Arabs around them are so wonderfully democratic.
linda jack said...
old and angry, if someone stole your house and forced you to live in the toilet, do you think it was they who should make the first move for reconciliation?
Wednesday, 26 December, 2007
I remember this happening, and if you stake your house on a fight which you lose you'd be damned lucky to be allowed to live in the toilet.
Billy, if you want to start your own blog and write about the merits of democracy in the Middle East, you are very welcome. However, I was discussing israel and the problems the Israelie government face, not the Palestinians or the Egypians.
Your point just tries to say "They are worse". I don't care who is worse, it is incumbant on democarcies to be "best" and in Israle's case, as my post makes clear, they will not be in a strong a position to do a deal in a few years time, which is the point you seem to have missed.
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