Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Eclogite
In short, I am seeking confirmation that criticism of Israeli policies is acceptable on Hypography.
|
As long as it’s done in a reasonable and evidence-supported way, I believe the policies of any nation, organization, or individual are acceptable subjects for criticism and discussion at hypography. In my post
”A brief history of Israel”, I stated my disapproval of the creation of the state of Israel (which is not the same as a refusal to acknowledge their statehood, now), without anyone expressing disapproval or calling me an anti-semite.
That said, I disapprove of organizations that break any nation’s laws against murder, be it the mafia, the CIA, or
Mossad. Despite the romantic “James Bond” appeal of the tactic of assassination, I’ve seen no evidence that it improves security, and strongly suspect that it has just the opposite effect, provoking retaliatory assassinations and bombings.
I believe there is a tendency to credit Mossad with every success in Israeli security, particularly the admirably low incidence of hijacking of Israel’s national airline,
El Al. Although Mossad’s Collections, Research departments, supply El Al and others with vital intelligence, while its Technology department provides valuable assistance in screening devices, etc., its Special Ops (Metsada) division, which most people think of when you mention Mossad, isn’t involved in routine security, such as El Al’s. El Al’s security staff, including armed uniformed and undercover flight crew agents, are airline staff. That nearly all adult Israelis have received basic combat training as part of compulsory military service, is also a factor.
Scientific analysis of security shows, I believe, that the public safety of citizens of all nations is best served through hard work by intelligence gatherers and analysts (including members of Mossad), screeners, police and security agents, and the diligence of regular citizens, all acting in accordance with the law. In my opinion, the extra-legal/illegal killing of leaders and/or suspected criminals does not. I don’t believe organizations such as Metsada should be permitted to exist, any more than Al Qaeda should be, and applaud the efforts of individuals and organizations seeking to peacefully and lawfully eliminate them.
