Ariel Sharon's war against the Palestinians

Catholic New Times, Nov 30, 2003 by Ted Schmidt

To my question is Israel's culture "addicted to power, a militarist culture?" Kimmerling replied, "Israel is run by a junta of three generals Sharon, Mofaz and Yaalon. All decisions are taken by these military minded powerful holders. The parliament and civilian branches are completely neutralized. All this is aggravated by the deep economic crisis. It is easier to rule a people preoccupied by daily financial subsistence."

Kimmerling, like many Jewish humanists has no time for the accusations of anti-Semitism levelled against critics of Israel "used by North American Jewish organizations and functionaries as well as conservative intellectuals." What he does have time for are the many brave Israelis to whom he dedicates his book, people like "all the brave Israeli women who stand before checkpoints in the early morning hours to prevent Palestinian laborers from being harassed."

These are the people who "better reflect the spirit of humanism and nonviolent and active resistance against this bad regime which has hijacked the Israeli political culture. They have paid a high personal price for their conviction and give me hope for the future."

Politicide is an engrossing portrait of Ariel Sharon's career, one which leaves little doubt that "Arik the King of Israel" is a major stumbling block to peace in the Middle East.

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