A NEW YEAR BUT FAMILIAR MESSAGES AT THE U.N.
As Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kipur begin a new year for the Jewish community, our focus almost immediately turns to less introspective and more global concerns. On the very day Jews around the world were contemplating a new year with new possibilities, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran was taking the podium at the United Rations General Assembly, ready to once again expound on the "Jewish problem" and the dangers that both Israel and the United States pose to the rest of the world. Of course his now tiresome routine always leaves out the dangers that Iran pose to both the Middle East and the rest of the world.
Just the day before, President Obama took the stage to denounce just the latest round of extremism in the Middle East and the day after, Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu took to the podium to offer competing narratives of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Again, a new Jewish year, the same incomprehensible demonization on the floor of the United Nations general assembly. One could easily hear this theme in Bibi's comments. His refrain clearly was about how we have been here before, being warned about Iran's ambitions and Palestinian intransigence - and where are we? According to Netanyahu, pretty much in the same place - but yet also in a much more treacherous position vis a vis the Iranian Nuclear Threat.
It is clear that sanctions against Iran are stronger than ever and that they are having an impact on the Iranian economy. That could even be a small part of why Ahmadinejad's speech was relatively toned down compared to years past. Given the Canadian decision to remove their embassy from Iran and the unprecedented pressure to not allow him to speak at the UN at all, maybe some of this is having an effect. But those who dare ask the question are asking - is it enough of an effect. That seems to be the million dollar question. In a nuclear game where there is no such thing as "a little pregnant", is the effect our efforts are having enough to get the job done - to avoid a nuclear capable Iran. And since no one seems to have an answer to that question, is it not Israeli's obligation - or duty as Netanyahu expresses it - to continue to ask that question? What impact are we having and is it enough? And if the answer to the latter question is no, do we not then have to do more? Call it asking for a red line, call it posturing, it seems a legitimate position to take when the target of this no win "War Game" is squarely on your country's shoulder.
The coming months will see our presidential candidates try to respond to these questions and we will have yet another attempt by the Palestinian Authority to seek membership in the UN General Assembly. It is more important than ever that we become educated on the issues and encourage others to do so as well.
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