Monday, September 28, 2009

It's Not A Bad Thing When We Or Our Friends Do It

Glenn Greenwald presents a glossary of foreign affairs terms today and he starts off with a huge hit into the upper deck.

The act of dangerous, threatening Hitlers -- NYT, today:

Iran was reported Monday to have test-fired long-range missiles capable of striking Israel and American bases in the Persian Gulf in what seemed a show of force.

The acts of a peace-loving democracy - Telegraph, January 18, 2008:

Israel has carried out the successful test launch of a long-range, ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, in what was intended as a clear show of strength to Iran.

The key is perspective. We're not that concerned with missiles aimed away as opposed to towards us. Why should the people on the other end feel any differently?

3 comments:

Spokane Al said...

Hank, I suspect that perspective could be based on the fact that Iran's stated mission in life (and that of other neighbors) seems to be the desire to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.

I may be mistaken in that I do not recall that verbiage coming from Israel concerning Iran and its allies.

Hank Greer said...

True, Al, but Israel and Iran are actually a lot closer than most people realize.

Lucas said...

I personally believe we are too soft on Israel for the way they treat the Palestinians. Considering the extent to which their disregard for Palestinian rights de-stabilizes the region (and in turn the rest of the world) we should do more to make sure they are acting fairly.