Israel on the Eve of War
Commentary from my father, Hebrew University political scientist Ira Sharkansky
I sat by this machine this morning touching up some writing about the prophet Jeremiah while Varda was in the next room putting plastic sheeting on the windows. If you don't get the point, open up the Hebrw Bible and start reading. Jeremiah describes a setting when Judea was caught between Babylon and Egypt. The king and his court wanted to continue paying tribute to Egypt, while the prophet bet on Babylon. "Bet" isn't the right word. In characteristic fashion, the prophet screamed his message at the crowds and the elites. Babylon was further away, but more powerful and more insistent on running things in the neighborhood.
I expect that the US will be a more reliable ally. In Jeremiah's day, Egypt funked out and Babylon did its thing. The next chapter is in the Book of Lamentations.
Today is also Purim in Jerusalem. Twelve years ago the war ended on this day. I usually go to a synagogue only under duress, but not then. It was delightful reading the Book of Esther while the Iraqi Haman licked his wounds. This time the tension may remain until Passover. Perhaps the Iraqi Haman won't have a tongue to lick with when it's all over.
Tamar brought a costume to her army post this morning. Preparations for war shouldn't stop a Purim party. The cadets of Mattan's unit considered donning generals' insignia as a holiday gesture, but decided against it in order to avoid the possibility of military prison. It's never certain whether a sergeant will laugh or apply the rules.
We've heard the nonsense from Babylon: that the Israelis, Americans, and British are preparing to invade. Crowds in Europe and North America are echoing the same slogans urged on by ranking politicians and media personalities.
The Books of Jeremiah and Lamentations are suggestive, but misleading as to what is going on here and now. Present-day Babylon can commit suicide, and perhaps throw a bit of poison around the neighborhood as a final gesture. If attacked, today's Judea can destroy Babylon. But it will defer to the pride of the Americans and let them do the job. Israel will also seek to maintain its reputation for moderation and keep its heavy weapons in their bunkers. Among other problems, it wouldn't do to radiate American troops on their way to Bagdad. Our modesty won't keep the crazies of the west from blaming us for what happens to Iraq, but we can only guard our own sanity, not theirs.
It's been raining, and when I look to the east I see a rainbow over the Judean desert. Maybe there is peace at the end. When is the end?
Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at March 19, 2003 01:07 PM