Laudable Move
How about that? An Arab MK brought into the cabinet of the State of Israel. An interesting turn of events at the very least, a laudable one to be sure. After all, a good proportion of the citizens of Israel are Arab and Kurd. The very fact that they've political representatives in the Knesset is the true strength of a democracy in action. That the current government of Israel has seen fit to invite an Arab MK, given all the difficulties inherent in living together in some semblance of harmony when Israeli-Arabs are torn beween their cultural-religious affiliations and those of citizenship, can only strengthen what must appear at times to be a tenuous bond.
The supreme irony here is that Labour MK Raleb Majadele, the newly-appointed Minister of Science (to be formally conferred) was brought in to serve in a government which had formerly accepted the presence within cabinet of a virulently anti-Arab MK, Avigdor Lieberman. The willingness of Defense Minister Amir Peretz in the coalition government of Ehud Omert to replace Ophir Pines who resigned in protest over Mr. Lieberman's presence is a rather delicious turn-about. There's a statement there which seems to indicate that in an intelligently-envisioned democracy you work within the system for positive change.
The situation is even more convoluted in that ex-Minister Pines, who resigned in high moral dudgeon, and who planned by his protest to elevate his stature within the Arab sector in the coming Labor Party primaries has had the rug jerked out from under him. The initial support that Pines enjoyed is now evaporating and with it his hopes for victory as Labor Party leader. Little wonder he's fit to be tied. As a chess move that one proved to be precipitate.
On the other hand, neither are the Arab parties dreadfully impressed with this turn of events, although they might conceivably be, if they recognized the opportunity for a louder voice in cabinet for what it genuinely might turn out to be; a critical opening as an assist to having Arab concerns taken more seriously. They should be tickled pink, actually, to have Lieberman and his parties' perceived racist tactics counter-balanced by the Arab-led agenda of one of their own.
It seems clear that MK Majadleh believes this move advances the Israeli-Arab cause for equality of recognition and status within the State of Israel. He appears to recognize the difficulties ahead of him, but he appears also to be imbued with sufficient confidence in the government and in his own abilities to feel he can deal with the certain obstacles he will encounter on his way to pursuing his agenda, while assisting the government to accomplish its.
Jews are actually quite practical when it comes to working against adversarial conditions. They should be, they've had long enough practise. It will be more than a little interesting to see how things work out. And more power to the State of Israel for its practical resolve, and its outreach toward practical solutions.
The supreme irony here is that Labour MK Raleb Majadele, the newly-appointed Minister of Science (to be formally conferred) was brought in to serve in a government which had formerly accepted the presence within cabinet of a virulently anti-Arab MK, Avigdor Lieberman. The willingness of Defense Minister Amir Peretz in the coalition government of Ehud Omert to replace Ophir Pines who resigned in protest over Mr. Lieberman's presence is a rather delicious turn-about. There's a statement there which seems to indicate that in an intelligently-envisioned democracy you work within the system for positive change.
The situation is even more convoluted in that ex-Minister Pines, who resigned in high moral dudgeon, and who planned by his protest to elevate his stature within the Arab sector in the coming Labor Party primaries has had the rug jerked out from under him. The initial support that Pines enjoyed is now evaporating and with it his hopes for victory as Labor Party leader. Little wonder he's fit to be tied. As a chess move that one proved to be precipitate.
On the other hand, neither are the Arab parties dreadfully impressed with this turn of events, although they might conceivably be, if they recognized the opportunity for a louder voice in cabinet for what it genuinely might turn out to be; a critical opening as an assist to having Arab concerns taken more seriously. They should be tickled pink, actually, to have Lieberman and his parties' perceived racist tactics counter-balanced by the Arab-led agenda of one of their own.
It seems clear that MK Majadleh believes this move advances the Israeli-Arab cause for equality of recognition and status within the State of Israel. He appears to recognize the difficulties ahead of him, but he appears also to be imbued with sufficient confidence in the government and in his own abilities to feel he can deal with the certain obstacles he will encounter on his way to pursuing his agenda, while assisting the government to accomplish its.
Jews are actually quite practical when it comes to working against adversarial conditions. They should be, they've had long enough practise. It will be more than a little interesting to see how things work out. And more power to the State of Israel for its practical resolve, and its outreach toward practical solutions.
Labels: Middle East
posted by Pieface | 5:30 PM
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