Israel and the Arabs forming a coalition?

Platapus · 01-22-16, 09:12 AM

Well there is nothing intrinsic that would prevent Arab nations and Jewish nations getting along.

Mike Abberton · 01-22-16, 10:24 AM

It has become increasingly clear to me that the primary source of conflict in the Middle East is, and always has been, the Sunni-Shia conflict.

At various times, like the during the Cold War, the outside world has co-opted that conflict to their own ends in political proxy wars against their global opponents and/or as a way to gain access/control of resources. But those proxy wars were only possible because of the underlying conflict that already existed in the region.

The thaw in the Cold War, the lessening of overt manipulation of the region by outside agents, and the Arab Spring Revolutions, have really made that clear. As the outside influences recede, the regional powers in the Middle East focus inwards to fight their battles.

Mike

Skybird · 01-22-16, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

Well there is nothing intrinsic that would prevent Arab nations and Jewish nations getting along.

As long as 14 centuries of habit, tradition and education to hate Jews do not qualify as having turned into an intrinsic quality after that short time.

Oberon · 01-22-16, 11:39 AM

So Israel is siding with the Sunnis...interesting move...not sure that it'll work out well for them, especially with the likes of Saudi Arabia. Staying out of the Saudi-Iran conflict is probably in Israels best interests at this stage, even if they are going to feel the effects of it. The problem with siding with the Sunnis is that you are unofficially siding with Daesh, or at the very least their supporters in Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Of course, since the majority of Israels neighbours are Sunni then it's probably more of a pragmatic move than anything else, but it's still a bit like putting an appendage into a blender.

Jimbuna · 01-22-16, 09:05 PM

Only time will tell.

01-22-16, 09:12 AM	#1
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,429 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	Well there is nothing intrinsic that would prevent Arab nations and Jewish nations getting along. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

01-22-16, 09:05 PM	#5
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 191,320 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Only time will tell. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

01-22-16, 10:24 AM	#2
Mike Abberton Electrician's Mate Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 135 Downloads: 42 Uploads: 0	It has become increasingly clear to me that the primary source of conflict in the Middle East is, and always has been, the Sunni-Shia conflict. At various times, like the during the Cold War, the outside world has co-opted that conflict to their own ends in political proxy wars against their global opponents and/or as a way to gain access/control of resources. But those proxy wars were only possible because of the underlying conflict that already existed in the region. The thaw in the Cold War, the lessening of overt manipulation of the region by outside agents, and the Arab Spring Revolutions, have really made that clear. As the outside influences recede, the regional powers in the Middle East focus inwards to fight their battles. Mike

01-22-16, 11:39 AM	#4
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20	So Israel is siding with the Sunnis...interesting move...not sure that it'll work out well for them, especially with the likes of Saudi Arabia. Staying out of the Saudi-Iran conflict is probably in Israels best interests at this stage, even if they are going to feel the effects of it. The problem with siding with the Sunnis is that you are unofficially siding with Daesh, or at the very least their supporters in Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Of course, since the majority of Israels neighbours are Sunni then it's probably more of a pragmatic move than anything else, but it's still a bit like putting an appendage into a blender.