POLITICS: Israel and Europe Could Be on Collision Course Over Foreign Policy

A confidential report prepared by the Israeli Foreign Ministry warns that the country is at risk of becoming isolated as the European Union (EU) grows more powerful. The report goes to predict that if the 25 nation EU develops a unified foreign policy, they would be at risk of becoming isolated much like the apartheid South Africa was.

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The report put forth last August was meant for internal government use and suggests a fear within the Israeli government that they are at risk of becoming a pariah. Israel and the EU have been at odds as of late in regards to the handling of the Palestinian issue. In addition, Israel has pointed to an increase in anti-Semitism and the fact that it is not being combated. Last Wednesday, the EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana detailed a new plan to get the peace process back on track. However, he also warned Israel that its aid was at risk if it failed to cooperate.

The EU should stop presenting itself as a single country, non-European people are beginning to address Europe as a single country rather than a collection of separate countries

The EU is only going to make things worse in the middle east if it tries to interfere, who's says it's method is right!!!!

They are already a pariah!

well, it's certainly not right was is happening there right now!!

Right, I have heard nothing of this in the UK.

However, I WOULD support full sanctions against Israel and that has nothing to do with anti-Semitism.

While very interesting hypothetically, I highly doubt anything like what is proposed in that document will ever happen. Firstly, a key note on there is having the different nations in the EU set aside their differences and agree on one comprehensive foreign policy. As soon as that happens we'll see pigs fly and J.Lo will star in a good movie.

The other piece that's odd is in the article it states that Israel could face sanctions if the conflic is not resolved. Last I checked, there were two parties involved in this conflict, neither of which is particularly helpful. Punishing the Israelis alone with harsh sanctions would be an uneven, unfair, and stupid way of dealing with things. It won't happen.

Comparing it to South Africa is an insult to the brave people who endured and overcame the Apartheid struggle because last time I consulted a history book no one from the South Africa movement was lobbing rockets at civilian's houses or blowing up pizza stores.

These are two highly different conflicts in two areas that are as different as night and day. Comparing the two, by any standards is irresponsible.

Thanks FredT for pointing out the article, it was definitely an interesting read.

Let them get too involved, let them see how hard it is to be the "worlds police." They will get a taste of how hard out job is.

Europe does not(at least my country) want to be the "world police"

Only an ignorant, arrogant, egotistical Country would claim to do that.

Most of the time, its because we are asked to. Thanks for the compliments ally.

IMO, Isreal should be sanctioned. I dont agree with thier policies, or tactics. I sypathize with the Palistinian people, but I dont agrre with thier tactics either. Maybe they just need a hug. Or a zanex.

Heh, maybe someone should start a 'bongs not bombs' campaign to calm everyone down over there.

What country are you from?



I doubt a hug would solve all their problems, but it may help.

[edit on 14-10-2004 by Kriz_4]

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