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April 4, 2003/Nisan 2 5763, Vol. 55, No. 32
Darkest before the dawnEditorialCurrent reality in Israel is bleak. The nation struggles with its worst recession in 50 years. The Palestinian intifada continues. Tourism is crippled. United Jewish Communities is canceling fund-raising missions. Participation in youth and adult study programs in Israel is plummeting.The U.S. State Department's recent call for all non-essential personnel to leave the Middle East likely will continue as long as the war in Iraq. Still, there are signs of a brighter future. The U.S.-led troops are acquiring their objectives in "Operation Iraqi Freedom" and shrinking the defensive perimeter surrounding Baghdad. As this issues goes to press, Israel has escaped being drawn into the war by an Iraqi Scud, tipped with a chemical or biological warhead, targeting Tel Aviv. After the war concludes, we hope to witness the transformation of a once-Stalinist Iraq into a country learning true democracy. And coalition battlefield successes are sending a powerful message to Israel's enemies, notably Syria and Iran, that terrorist states cannot stand. With the U.S. military in its backyard, the Syrian government must be concerned. After all, Syria is no longer enjoys the protection of the now-defunct Soviet Union. The fall of Saddam Hussein could represent the loss to Syria of discounted Iraqi oil and a $2 billion market for Syrian goods. At the same time, Iraqi regime change may help loosen the grip of Iran's theocratic government. Iran already possesses an educated middle class, university students well aware of the social and economic advantages of the liberal, democratized West, and a reformist opposition political party. Moreover, U.S. military forces surely will remain in Iraq, not only to oversee the rebuilding of the nation but to provide valuable incentive for both Syria and Iran not to destabilize the region through funneling terrorist weaponry into Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The United States also has acquired new empathy with Israel. The recent suicide bombing in Iraq that killed four U.S. servicemen drove home to many Americans a deeper understanding of the dangers Israeli soldiers, security guards and civilians face every day. These anticipated outcomes of Iraqi regime change increase hope in Israel for improved economic conditions, internal security, and with it, increased tourism. As coalition forces continue to gain control of Iraq, let's keep our passports current and restrain ourselves from storing our luggage in the attic. The time will soon be right to return to Israel en masse and reunite with our brothers and sisters in the classroom, along the Cardo and at roadside caf‚s. |
