Shine - It's time to sober up

Chaim Shine
Israel Hayom
12 September '11

http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_opinion.php?id=473

The Egyptian mobs' vandalism of the Israeli Embassy in Cairo has proven once again, for those who still need proof, that the innocent belief in democracy's triumph over malicious regimes is an illusion. Western countries have been in thrall to the concept that the West would prevail in a clash of civilizations, with democracy and the free market system embraced by nations in the near and far east. But it's becoming clear that this vision was a naive belief bordering on a mystical fairy tale.

The latest revolutions in Arab countries created a momentary optical illusion, a veritable desert mirage. A spectacle befitting the fanciful tales of Lawrence of Arabia. U.S. President Barack Obama and his advisors gazed with longing at the fulfillment of their Messianic vision of freedom and liberty, which could justify the heavy American losses in Iraq and Afghanistan: A new world order led by the U.S. that would make everyone forget the economic distress at home as the system of capitalist extremism falls apart.

The leaders of the Western world quickly realized that democracy is not a given. It requires deep cultural preparation to be fully implemented. Criminologists will tell you that a convict released from jail after serving a long sentence will experience far worse culture shock than when he entered jail. It nearly impossible to turn slaves into free people overnight. It requires a national and cultural adjustment period. Even the wise Jewish nation was forced to wander the desert for 40 years before it could leave behind their slave ways and habits. They required years of preparation before they could enter the promised land.

The "biggest winner" of the U.S.'s sobering realization is Syrian dictator Assad. There isn't a single NATO member who dares use force against him, because the alternative to established leadership has made itself apparent in Libya and Egypt. They prefer a single Assad over five tribes that are themselves ruled by Al-Qaida and its ilk.



The embassy incident in Egypt must teach Israeli citizens another important lesson. There never was true peace between Israel and Egypt. Peace is made between peoples and not just leaders. Since the signing of the peace treaty, the Egyptians have not taken a single real step to advance peace between the two peoples. Anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incitement continued to be broadcast on official Egyptian media channels. Mubarak never bothered to visit Israel or send a conciliatory message to Israelis, while Egypt's professional unions agitated against peace. Only in Israel did intellectuals coin the misleading mantra of "cold peace."

What remains of Israel's peace treaty is torn paper, Nobel peace prizes, destroyed communities in places like Yamit and a large swath of land that was handed over with no real benefit in return. Many Israeli citizens have already accepted that we are destined to live in a place where we are not wanted. For our neighbors, peace talks are simply a strategic weapon against us and not an olive branch. That's why they decided that on the day that the "wolf lies down with the lamb," they had better be the wolf.

Finally, we must give due praise to the Israeli leadership, who handled the embassy incident with composure and competence. The true test of leadership occurs in times of duress and crisis. When things are calm, even a wheeler-dealer can lead a country. But in Israel we can't afford the luxury of having a slick politico lead us.

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