The Christian Science Monitor published an article quite similar to our recent discussion of the Israel-Turkey kerfuffle. In addition to what we had to say, however, they mention Foreign Minister Avidgor Lieberman's (terrifying photo at right) “national pride foreign policy”. Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon's most recent stunt is a sample of what Avigdor envisions. Lieberman purportedly instructed his subordinates to take a more brutish stance, telling them that "Israeli diplomacy is too soft and it has lost its pride".
Rather than discuss a problem at hand with a strategic ally, bite that hand. Denigrate their diplomat.
Truly noble diplomatic behavior involves acting calculatedly with everyone and reciprocating respect, not brashly beating one's chest as an ape. Lieberman's imprudent, impetuous pomposity is characteristic of low-life hollywood gangsters and emperors of bygone ages; such base barbarity does not behoove representatives of the State of Israel.
Fortunately, others in Israel's diplomatic community were raised by Jewish mothers who raised them with better manners than Dear Avigdor's and strongly disagree. The CSM quotes a former ministry official, Dr. Alon Liel, as saying “Many in the community of retired Israeli diplomats feel very ashamed at this, and in particular on what’s happened over the past week." Those who've been engaged firsthand in the development of Israeli foreign policy recognize the gravity of Lieberman's hubristic pride. His national arrogance diplomacy will only to tarnish the state's reputation and endanger the very lives he seeks to defend. The Jews of Turkey are now at greater risk than they were before this whole incident.
Basing foreign policy on the übernationalism propounded by Yisrael Beitaynu can only result in more aggravation of Israeli relations abroad and greater isolation. It is a weak attempt to perpetuate the stalling of the long frozen peace process (remember that?), but it will only compromise international integrity and Israeli security.
What happened to the likes of Abba Eban? How did this man get into office?!
hahaha, lieberman looks like he is playing the smallest violin in the world!
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