israeloutlook.com

Nuclear ambiguity is interesting.

It allows you a lot of flexibility in regards to Sun Tzu’s most famous admonition:

All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. 

- Sun Tzu, The Art of War

In terms of nuclear weapons, Israel sits at the dividing line. She seems both far AND near – weak and, at the same time, strong.

Nuclear ambiguity is interesting.

It allows you a lot of flexibility in regards to Sun Tzu’s most famous admonition:

All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. 

- Sun Tzu, The Art of War

In terms of nuclear weapons, Israel sits at the dividing line. She seems both far AND near – weak and, at the same time, strong.

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I find it interesting that the Chabadnikim (people who follow Chabad) are upset over the fact that they aren’t allowed to put pressure on kids to become more dati (orthodox).

I really do understand their upset. They see Jewish kids suffering a lack of direction, and they want to provide that direction. They see Judaism as the answer to the broken homes and the angst that plagues Israeli youth (which, in fact, plagues ALL youth). They want young people to grow up to be dati, because THAT (in their mind) is the proper form of Judaism.

I find it interesting that the Chabadnikim (people who follow Chabad) are upset over the fact that they aren’t allowed to put pressure on kids to become more dati (orthodox).

I really do understand their upset. They see Jewish kids suffering a lack of direction, and they want to provide that direction. They see Judaism as the answer to the broken homes and the angst that plagues Israeli youth (which, in fact, plagues ALL youth). They want young people to grow up to be dati, because THAT (in their mind) is the proper form of Judaism.

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2006 has been a bad year for freedom of the press in the Arab world.

That’s good.

Is it good that Arabs are not hearing unfettered news and political analysis?

No.

Is it good that Arabs are hearing JUST the party line in countries like Syria, Yemen, and Saudi?

No.

Is it good that Iranians ONLY hear what’s BAD about the America and the Western powers?

No.

2006 has been a bad year for freedom of the press in the Arab world.

That’s good.

Is it good that Arabs are not hearing unfettered news and political analysis?

No.

Is it good that Arabs are hearing JUST the party line in countries like Syria, Yemen, and Saudi?

No.

Is it good that Iranians ONLY hear what’s BAD about the America and the Western powers?

No.

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Haq al-Awda.

Sounds like a disease, or at least something that your Mom told you to stop doing on the sidewalk.

Well, it IS a disease, one of many social diseases afflicting the Arab soul.

It means, “the right of return” – for Palestinians.

In most Western countries, we let refugees become a part of our populations. We try to integrate them. The tired, poor, and huddled masses that wash up on our shores energize us, making our economies powerful. They bring new insights and a willingness to work hard. Their hopes and aspirations result in businesses and services. Their culture enlivens our towns and cities.

Haq al-Awda.

Sounds like a disease, or at least something that your Mom told you to stop doing on the sidewalk.

Well, it IS a disease, one of many social diseases afflicting the Arab soul.

It means, “the right of return” – for Palestinians.

In most Western countries, we let refugees become a part of our populations. We try to integrate them. The tired, poor, and huddled masses that wash up on our shores energize us, making our economies powerful. They bring new insights and a willingness to work hard. Their hopes and aspirations result in businesses and services. Their culture enlivens our towns and cities.

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In his article, “How to End Terrorism“, Daniel Pipes makes an important point:

Terrorism, begun by bad ideas, can only be ended by good ones. 

That sounds like a rule, so let me add one of my own:

No vacuums allowed.

Human society is like any other biological system. If you remove an organism that plays an important role, it’s ‘job’ must be taken up by another organism – or there will be chaos.

By hunting the wolf to near-extinction in the West, mankind creates a hole, a vacuum, that needs to be filled. Enter park rangers and licensed hunting, without which, the deer population would explode. 

In his article, “How to End Terrorism“, Daniel Pipes makes an important point:

Terrorism, begun by bad ideas, can only be ended by good ones. 

That sounds like a rule, so let me add one of my own:

No vacuums allowed.

Human society is like any other biological system. If you remove an organism that plays an important role, it’s ‘job’ must be taken up by another organism – or there will be chaos.

By hunting the wolf to near-extinction in the West, mankind creates a hole, a vacuum, that needs to be filled. Enter park rangers and licensed hunting, without which, the deer population would explode. 

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