Victor Hanson- interesting Reader Response

"Reader Response
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We update questions daily in response to questions asked by the readership. If you have a question for Victor Davis Hanson send it to author@victorhanson.com

August 2005

I am under the impression that hardworking Jewish people created a state with a thriving economy that Arabs now want to claim as their own. Perhaps my impression is way off the mark. What are facts on which to base opinion about U.S. foreign policy concerning Israel? Could you please recommend a book or authors that address this topic?

Hanson: It is simple. The Arabs have all the numbers, the oil, the geographical importance, and the constant threat of terrorism; Israel has only the idealism of being a successful and liberal society. It is also a human trait to be harder on friends we take for granted than enemies we fear. Anti-Semitism plays its old role to be sure.

All that being said, and rhetoric aside, note that Americans and their politicians prefer going to Israel not the Arab world, where the rule of law and the standards of Western civilization ensure that everything from their tap water to the cop on the beat are reliable. Finally, Israel is not parasitic on the West; its own science can produce its needs; almost nothing in the Arab world was created within the Arab world, even the industry to pump its oil. That fact creates a terrible sense of frustration, especially since they know to change would bring relief, but such change would be a referendum on themselves. They are not self-confident Japanese who borrow and improve without loss of face."

More "August 2005 Responses"
More "Questions Log"