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ISRAEL COUNTERS ISOLATION BY CULTIVATING “PERIPHERY:” FROM HERZL TO NETANYAHU: SO. SUDAN, CONGO, ALBANIA, POLAND

SOUTH SUDAN, ISRAEL’S NEW ALLY
Daniel Pipes

National Review, January 4, 2012

It’s not every day that the leader of a brand-new country makes his maiden foreign voyage to Jerusalem, capital of the most besieged country in the world—but Salva Kiir, president of South Sudan, accompanied by his foreign and defense ministers, did just that in late December. Israel’s president, Shimon Peres, hailed his visit as a “moving and historic moment.” The visit spurred talk of South Sudan’s locating its embassy in Jerusalem, which would make it the only government anywhere in the world to do so. This unusual development results from an unusual story.

Today’s Sudan took shape in the 19th century, when the Ottoman Empire controlled its northern regions and tried to conquer the southern ones. The British, ruling out of Cairo, established the outlines of the modern state in 1898 and for the next 50 years ruled separately the Muslim north and Christian-animist south. In 1948, however, succumbing to northern pressure, the British merged the two administrations in Khartoum under northern control, making Muslims dominant in Sudan and Arabic its official language.

Accordingly, independence in 1956 brought civil war, as southerners battled to fend off Muslim hegemony. Fortunately for them, Israeli prime minister David Ben-Gurion’s “periphery strategy” translated into support for non-Arabs in the Middle East, including the southern Sudanese. Through the first Sudanese civil war, which lasted until 1972, the Israeli government served as the south’s primary source of moral backing, diplomatic help, and armaments.

President Kiir acknowledged this contribution in Jerusalem, noting that “Israel has always supported the South Sudanese people. Without you, we would not have arisen. You struggled alongside us in order to allow the establishment of South Sudan.” In reply, Peres recalled his presence in the early 1960s in Paris, when the then-prime minister and he established Israel’s first-ever link with southern Sudanese leaders.

Sectarian fighting in Sudan continued intermittently until 2005. Over time, Muslim northerners became increasingly vicious toward their southern co-nationals, culminating in the 1980s and ‘90s with massacres, chattel slavery, and genocide.…

In 2005, the George W. Bush administration pressured Khartoum to sign the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the war and gave southerners a chance to vote for independence. They enthusiastically did so in January 2011, when 98 percent voted for secession from Sudan, leading to the formation of the Republic of South Sudan six months later, an event hailed by Israel’s Peres as “a milestone in the history of the Middle East.”

Israel’s long-term investment has paid off. South Sudan fits into a renewed periphery strategy that includes Cyprus, Kurds, Berbers, and (one day) a post-Islamist Iran. South Sudan offers access to natural resources (especially oil). Its role in Nile River water negotiations offers leverage vis-à-vis Egypt. Beyond practical benefits, the new republic represents an inspiring example of a non-Muslim population’s resisting Islamic imperialism through its integrity, persistence, and dedication. In this sense, the birth of South Sudan echoes that of Israel.

If Kiir’s Jerusalem visit is truly to mark a milestone, South Sudan must travel the long path from dirt-poor international protectorate with feeble institutions to modernity and genuine independence. This path requires the leadership…to lay the foundations for successful statehood. For the Israelis and other Westerners, this means both helping with agriculture, health, and education and urging the administration in the capital city of Juba to stay focused on defense and development while avoiding wars of choice. A successful South Sudan could eventually become a regional power and a stalwart ally not just of Israel but of the West.

(Daniel Pipes is president of the Middle East Forum.)

ISRAEL LOOKS TO BOLSTER TIES WITH AFRICA
Emanuel Mfoukou

Jerusalem Post, January 1, 2012

Theodor Herzl, the father of the Zionist movement, revealed in his book Altneuland (Old New Land) that he not only carried a burden for founding a Jewish state, but that he also had a heart for Africa. “There is still one question arising out of the disaster of the nations which remained unresolved to this day, and whose profound tragedy only a Jew can comprehend. This is the African question,” wrote Herzl. “Once I have witnessed the redemption of the Jews, my own people, I wish also to assist in the redemption of the Africans.”

When Israel won its independence in 1948, Herzl’s vision of working to better the lot of Africa was carried out to some extent by some of the nation’s early leaders. Foremost among them was Golda Meir, who led the drive to establish close bonds with sub-Saharan Africa in the 1950s and ‘60s. But in the wake of the 1967 Six Day War, Arab rulers sought to exact revenge for their defeat on the battlefield by forcing African countries to sever diplomatic ties with Israel. At the behest of Egypt, the Organization of African Unity (today the African Union) adopted a resolution condemning Israel for occupying the Sinai Peninsula, Golan Heights, West Bank and Gaza Strip. In order to garner African support for this resolution, the Arab states promised the newly independent nations of Africa to provide them with cheap oil and financial aid—promises which never materialized.

In the years since, Israel has slowly sought to repair the rupture in relations with African countries, but many on both sides of the equation sense it is now time for Africa to fully reconnect with Israel. “In the coming years, Africa will be a big player on the international arena. We need to develop the continent. We need a new kind of partnership [with Israel] based on mutual benefit, a win-win partnership,” said Bruno Itoua, Congo’s minister of energy and hydraulics, at a special meeting last month between Israeli diplomats and a group of African ambassadors stationed in Tel Aviv.

Itoua was in Israel to pursue an Israeli-Congolese cooperation agreement to help solve Congo’s water problems. Like many African countries, Congo has experienced difficulties in building the infrastructure necessary to supply its growing population with fresh water in a sustainable manner. During his visit, Itoua also attended the annual WATEC conference, a yearly exhibition of Israeli water technologies.…

Since its modern rebirth in 1948, Israel has emerged as one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations. Through its inventiveness, brain power and hard work, Israel has even managed to cause the desert to blossom, as foretold in Scripture (Isaiah 35:1). In fact, Israel’s vanguard drip irrigation systems and desalination plants can be found across the globe. Thus, Israel could have an important role to play in Africa’s development, through the sharing of its experiences in crucial areas such as water, agriculture, medicine and security.…

The African delegations attending the WATEC conference included Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who took the opportunity to sign an agreement that commits Israel to helping Kenya fully develop its water resources. Earlier this year, Israel sealed a similar deal with the Ugandan government to develop the country’s water infrastructure and eventually build 11 dams and reservoirs supplying two million Ugandans with water.… From Israel’s standpoint, the potential for expanding business and trade with Africa is enormous.…

Recognizing this vast economic potential, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu recently announced that Israel is looking to develop new strategic alliances around the globe, an initiative that will include a fresh outreach to Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa, with its growing economies and immense need for development in diverse sectors, represents a huge market for Israeli companies whose advanced technologies could bolster Africa in facing its many challenges.…

INDIA-ISRAEL RELATIONS
Arielle Kandel & Shalom Wald

Jerusalem Post, January 18, 2012

Last week’s visit of Indian Foreign Minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna to Israel received extensive coverage in both Israel and India. It was the highest ranking Indian visit to Israel in 11 years.

There have been few visits by top-ranking Indian officials to Israel since the normalization of relations in 1992—none by an Indian president or prime minister. While Indian leaders generally express a genuinely sympathetic view of Israel in private, they are reluctant to publicize Indo-Israeli cooperation and achievements. They fear that overt partnership with Israel may antagonize India’s Muslims—who, representing close to 15 percent of the total population, form an important vote bank—and jeopardize India’s strategic ties with the Arab and Muslim Middle East.

The 2001 visit to Israel of Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh took place under the leadership of the BJP, a political party characterized by a nationalist and Hindu outlook and little dependent on Muslim support and votes. The recent visit of Indian Foreign Minister Krishna is all the more significant as the Indian governing coalition is now headed by the Congress, a party which traditionally has paid close attention to Muslim sensitivities.…

As India and Israel are celebrating 20 years of diplomatic relations, Krishna’s visit may indicate that India is at last willing to stop treating Israel as its mistress. It is indeed high time the Indian and Israeli leadership engage in an open dialogue, considering the extensive relationship the two countries have developed on the ground. Bilateral trade amounts today to $5 billion—and it could hit $15 billion if a free trade agreement is signed—and cooperation in the agriculture, water, homeland security and aerospace sectors (to mention just a few) has flourished over the past two decades. Besides, it is no secret that Israel has become one of India’s top defense suppliers and partners.… Finance minister Yuval Steinitz, during his visit to India in December 2011, declared that “Israel views its ties with India as its second most important relationship after the United States.…”

ALBANIA: ISRAEL’S BEST FRIEND AMONG MUSLIM COUNTRIES
Itamar Eichner

Ynet News, November 30, 2011

When Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha talks about Israel, one might mistake him for a Zionist leader.… But when these statements are made by a Muslim leading a European Muslim country they are definitely surprising.

The highlight was at the United Nations General Assembly, after the famous clash between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas over the Palestinian statehood bid. When it was Berisha’s turn to talk, he openly criticized the Palestinian move. His General Assembly address did not exactly benefit Albania’s relations with Muslim countries, especially Iran, but he refused to take it back.

“Iran and its leader, [President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad, are the new Nazis, and the world must learn from the Holocaust and stop them before it’s too late,” Berisha says.… “The Holocaust taught the free world’s conscience not to let such a scenario repeat itself.”

When asked if Albania, as a NATO member, will join a military strike against Iran if and when such a decision is made, he immediately replies: “We’ll support such a move and join it, just like we supported the operation in Libya. It won’t be against the Iranian people, but against the nuclear facilities.”

It’s no wonder that during his recent visit to Israel, his third, Berisha held meetings with the president, prime minister, Knesset speaker and foreign minister, and was praised for his courageous opinions. Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman even informed him of his decision to open an Israeli embassy in the Albanian capital of Tirana.

Berisha did not settle for these meetings and even visited the Western Wall, where he received a blessing from the holy site’s rabbi, Shmuel Rabinovitch.…

[Below are excerpts from Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha’s
recent interview with Israel’s
Yediot Ahronot newspaper—Ed.]

Why did you oppose the Palestinian UN statehood bid?

“The unilateral Palestinian move does not advance a political solution, but sabotages the peace process. The attempt to bypass Israel and the US is a mistake. Peace between Israel and the Palestinians must go through direct negotiations and by guaranteeing the security of both states. Shortcuts will do no good.”

Were you pressured by Arab countries or Iran because of your stance?

“We are in no way against the Palestinians. Whoever says that is completely wrong. But we have our own opinion, and we believe it’s the right way. Some countries, which have pushed the Palestinians to take radical steps, have taken an unacceptable stand against Israel. The solution must bring full security to both states, but I have not seen any support for the acceptance and recognition of the State of Israel.…”

What is your stand regarding the Iranian threat?

“A nuclear Iran is the biggest threat to peace in the Middle East and the entire world. It’s not just against Israel. The latest IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] report showed that Iran is working to acquire a nuclear weapon and won’t allow its facilities to be supervised. The Security Council must take all steps necessary to prevent a nuclear Iran.…”

ISRAEL-POLAND: A SORDID PAST AND A BRIGHT FUTURE
Joseph Puder

FrontPage, December 28, 2011

…Poland, with its long history of anti-Semitism has, ironically, become one of Israel’s closest allies in Europe, and it is now in position to render support to the Jewish nation by promoting Israel’s narrative in the EU. For Israel, it is an opportunity to drum up support in Europe, where the delegitimization campaigns against Israel have increased, particularly in western European media and on campuses.…

The population of Jews in Poland just prior to the outbreak of WW II was the largest in all of Europe and Warsaw, Poland’s capital, boasted a vibrant Jewish cultural life. More than a third of Warsaw’s residents were Jews, and the 3.3 million Jews of Poland represented 10% of the country’s population—the highest such demographic in Europe.

The Holocaust, which took place on Polish soil, decimated Polish Jewry. More than 90% of the Jews perished in Nazi run death camps—including Treblinka (where Warsaw’s Jews were sent to their death) Auschwitz, Belzec, Maidanek and Sobibor. Those who were not murdered in death camps died of starvation, beatings, and betrayal by anti-Semitic Poles. Conversely, many individual Catholic Poles risked their lives to save their Jewish neighbors.

Poland’s Communist past is another sorry episode in the history of this former Soviet satellite and the Jewish nation. State sponsored anti-Semitism was pervasive throughout the 43-year long Communist rule. Poland, however, emerged from the fall of Communism as a strong constitutional democracy. Lech Walesa, the famed Solidarity Trade Unionist leader, became Poland’s first democratic president and he made a conscious effort to improve relations with the Jewish nation. The New York Times reported on May 21, 1991, that in an unusual, emotional speech to the Israeli Parliament, President Lech Walesa of Poland apologized for the anti-Semitism in Polish history.

Walesa, addressing the Knesset chamber filled with Israel’s leaders—some of whom were survivors of Auschwitz and other Nazi death camps built in Poland after the Germans overran the country, said, “Here in Israel, the land of your culture and revival, I ask for your forgiveness.” He issued his words knowing that many in the audience and others…blamed the Poles for not having done more to protect Jews from the Nazis.…

Responding to Walesa, Israel’s Prime Minister Itzhak Shamir, who was born in Poland and whose father was murdered by anti-Semitic Poles during WWII said, “The Polish president represents in his history and character the new Poland, liberated and rejuvenated, a Poland which aspires to join the era of integration into democratic, free nations. We want to hope and believe that the first official visit is a sign of the opening of a new page in relations between our people.…”

For Israelis, Poland represents an important market of 38 million customers. Poland is a dynamically developing country, populated by well-educated young people who are ambitious and eager to succeed. Poland’s geographic location, at the juncture of east-west and north-south trans-European communications routes, makes it a preferred station for exporting products not only to Western Europe but also to the east. Poland is also an emerging European Union power, and a key NATO member. Its economy grew faster than most EU states in 2010 with a GDP rate of 3.8%, and it sent 1200 of its troops to Afghanistan in support of NATO. Israel’s investment in Poland has past the $1.5 Billion mark.

Poland and Israel have held joint cabinet meetings, and both Poland’s current government and main opposition party are strong supporters of Israel. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski have been outspoken defenders of Israel in international forums and Poland voted against the Goldstone Commission Report at the UN. Moreover, Poland joined the U.S. along with several other countries in boycotting the 2009 Durban Conference, and stayed out of the UN General Assembly hall during the address by Iran’s President Ahmadinejad.

When Prime Minister Tusk was in Jerusalem last February, he declared that Israel “can always count on Poland.” The Polish PAP news agency reported on September 19, 2011, that PM Tusk opined “Poland will certainly not vote for a resolution which would directly jeopardize Israel’s security.…”

Unlike Western Europe, Poland has no significant Muslim minority to consider, and they harbor no romantic notions about the Arabs like Britain and France, the former colonial powers. The Polish people, who guard their democracy fiercely, have a natural affinity with Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. Public opinion in Poland, contrary to what is being expressed in Western Europe, is overwhelmingly pro-Israel—which has impacted on government policies.… Today,  Poland…stand[s] alongside Israel in support.

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