Peace through strength

The June 15 article describing the background for the creation, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, of Arab countries in the Middle East based on the whims of British and French diplomats is a must-read for anyone interested in our foreign affairs.

This article confirms the artificial nature of current Arab states ruled by fanatics. Contrast this with the international community’s 1948 creation of a Jewish state and an Arab Palestine carved out of the British Mandate. Unfortunately, the latter was rejected by the Arab League, and members attacked to destroy Israel. Other than this United Nations attempt, there has never been a historical basis for a Palestinian (Arab) state regardless of who (including Jordan and Egypt) controlled this land populated for centuries by Jews, Christians and Muslims.

To expect the region’s only democracy to give up more land to an amorphous group of relentless terrorists makes no sense. Israel has lost enough civilian lives to hijackings, bombings, murders and kidnappings only to receive, in return, the continued animosity of its neighbors.

Perhaps our current leaders, safe in America, could promote peace by establishing a strong military posture against terrorism and requiring recognition of Israel’s right to exist. Just a thought.

Joseph Harari

Spokane