Middle Eastern anti-Semitism? (church, experience, theist, pagan, Israel)

[Flappycat]

During World War II, many Middle Eastern countries adopted pro-German ideologies, apparently originally on the grounds of resentment toward the British. How much of the current anti-semitism in the Middle East is a result of the politics of this time period? Was British imperialism a factor in the Middle East's reaction toward Israel? Could reconciling Israel with the Middle East be as simple a matter, relatively speaking, as improving West/East political relations?

[Random]

No, too much resentment exists between the Jews and their neighbours. Israel won two wars against coalitions of Arab countries and expanded its boarders in doing so, not to mention the situation of the Palestinians can only end badly, that is either in expulsion from Israel or a seperate hostile State, given that peaceful co-existence is unlikely.

It's been said before, but one must remember "Anti-Semitism" has been claimed by the Jewish people as a propaganda weapon exclusive to them, but the Arabs are Semites too. Hence, if it need be applied @ all, it could and should apply to the people of the Middle-East in general, not only to critics and opponents of Israel.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Godlike

No, too much resentment exists between the Jews and their neighbours. Israel won two wars against coalitions of Arab countries and expanded its boarders in doing so, not to mention the situation of the Palestinians can only end badly, that is either in expulsion from Israel or a seperate hostile State, given that peaceful co-existence is unlikely.

It's been said before, but one must remember "Anti-Semitism" has been claimed by the Jewish people as a propaganda weapon exclusive to them, but the Arabs are Semites too. Hence, if it need be applied @ all, it could and should apply to the people of the Middle-East in general, not only to critics and opponents of Israel.

You are right, but of course,colloquially, it has come to mean anti - Jewish.

Could reconciling Israel with the Middle East be as simple a matter, relatively speaking, as improving West/East political relations?

If you think it is, go do it, and you would be hailed as a world super hero, and no doubt get the Nobel peace prize.

If it was that easy! Unfortunately, the middle East is populated by a lot of (unfortunately) ill educated people, who are spoon - fed Ideologies and believe everything they hear.

That makes the West greedy, and bad; the West has nothing against Israel. Add the two up, and that makes the West (in the eyes of the Middle East) greedy and ignorant Infidels. The last part, because - from my experience -the Muslim mind refuses to accept the fact that a belief in the Trinity doesn't mean that we are polytheist.

[kai]

Originally Posted by Flappycat

During World War II, many Middle Eastern countries adopted pro-German ideologies, apparently originally on the grounds of resentment toward the British. How much of the current anti-semitism in the Middle East is a result of the politics of this time period? Was British imperialism a factor in the Middle East's reaction toward Israel? Could reconciling Israel with the Middle East be as simple a matter, relatively speaking, as improving West/East political relations?

improving east west relations would solve a lot of problems, but anti-semitism has been around a lot longer than pro german ideologies in the east and the west, soviet influence wasnt exactly pro Israeli/jewish or west either

[Flappycat]

And, like I said, "relatively speaking." It would have been more appropriate to ask if this would be a good aim to begin with. I understand that things are complicated, but a solution is needed, not passingly desired.

I think that solving the problem must begin with understanding its roots, and it actually is a fact that many Middle Eastern leaders took up pro-German attitudes during the war. As a result of the propaganda, there were anti-Jewish riots in some regions. They didn't align themselves with Germany as a result of anti-semitism, though. It was resentment toward the British, who were being complete idiots at the time.

Again, I know it's a difficult problem to solve. However, solving it isn't something that we want as a result of a passing fad. It isn't something we'll lose interest in within a week. It isn't a high school crush. People are being killed, and cities are being reduced to ruin. Precious pieces of history are being destroyed. It's a serious problem. I don't care how difficult it is to do: fix it, or it's your fault.

[Flappycat]

Originally Posted by kai

improving east west relations would solve a lot of problems, but anti-semitism has been around a lot longer than pro german ideologies in the east and the west, soviet influence wasnt exactly pro Israeli/jewish or west either

Actually, the Muslims were equal opportunity oppressors. They were never specifically anti-Jewish. In fact, they expressed appreciation for their cultural kinship by allowing them second-class citizenship rather than either killing or enslaving them. Specific hatred toward the Jews is the Catholic church's baby, baby.

[Ody]

Originally Posted by Flappycat

Actually, the Muslims were equal opportunity oppressors.

Not always...

[Ody]

1232 forced mass conversions in Marakesh [of Jews]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_anti-Semitism
(13 cent)

1333 forced mass conversions in Baghdad

1438Establishment of mellahs (ghettos) in Morocco.

Etc... etc..

[Flappycat]

Yes, Alan, our ancestors treated each other like rubbish. The Jews were just rarely dominant enough in any region to cause much mayhem of their own. Even the Zoroastrians were nastier to the Christians than they ever were to the Jews. I maintain that the Catholics were uniquely impolite toward them. The Muslims, Greeks, Egyptians, etcetera just dumped on other people's in a general way, for the most part.

[jamaesi]

During World War II, many Middle Eastern countries adopted pro-German ideologies, apparently originally on the grounds of resentment toward the British. How much of the current anti-semitism in the Middle East is a result of the politics of this time period? Was British imperialism a factor in the Middle East's reaction toward Israel? Could reconciling Israel with the Middle East be as simple a matter, relatively speaking, as improving West/East political relations?

Kaching, I think you're on to something! When I talk to my friends from the Middle East this is a very common theme- they don't hate the West because of our "freedoms" (and where are my rights and freedoms as a disabled gay?) they hate us because "white" countries have been messing around in their countries for as long as they can remember.

That makes the West greedy, and bad; the West has nothing against Israel.

The United States, a Western country, has nothing but support for the Middle East. That makes some people rather resentful.

The last part, because - from my experience -the Muslim mind refuses to accept the fact that a belief in the Trinity doesn't mean that we are polytheist.

Again, wrong.
Some members *blank group* might believe *blank fact* but that doesn't mean all do. The Muslim bashing I can do without.