Former Spanish PM: If Israel goes down, we all go down
José María Aznar announces new pro-Israeli initiative Friends for Israel which aims to defend Israel's right to exist and defend itself.
By Haaretz Service Tags: Israel news José María Aznar Spain Middle East peace Gaza flotillaFormer Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar announced recently that he planned to promote a new initiative which would defend Israel's right to exist, as "if Israel goes down, we all go down," the former premier wrote in London newspaper The Times on Thursday.
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Former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar |
| Photo by: AP |
"Israel is our first line of defense in a turbulent region that is constantly at risk of descending into chaos," Aznar wrote, adding that "to abandon Israel to its fate, at this moment of all moments, would merely serve to illustrate how far we have sunk and how inexorable our decline now appears."
The Friends for Israel initiative will include prominent political figures and academics such as Irish Nobel Prize laureate David Trimble (Irish Nobel Prize laureate and a panel member in Israel's internal investigation into the Gaza flotilla raid), Andrew Roberts (British hostorian) John Bolton (former United States Ambassador to the United Nations), Alejandro Toledo (the former President of Peru), Marcello Pera (philosopher and former President of the Italian Senate), Fiamma Nirenstein (the Italian author and politician), the financier Robert Agostinelli and the Catholic intellectual George Weigel, Aznar wrote in The Times.
Spain and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1975, however the ties between the two countries have not always been strong. In 2006, following the Second Lebanon War, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero accused Israel of "abusive force" which Israel strongly condemned.
Israel's envoy to Spain said at the time that the two countries' relations had been damaged after the Spanish prime minister's speech, during which he wore a Palestinian scarf. Spain's Jewish community accused Zapatero of being anti-Semitic, however tensions have since eased.
"In the wake of the recent incident on board a ship full of anti-Israeli activists in the Mediterranean, it is hard to think of a more unpopular cause to champion." Aznar wrote of his initiative which aims to support Israel despite the onslaught of criticism over a recent Israeli raid on a Freedom Flotilla headed to Gaza, in which nine activists were killed. " In an ideal world, no state, let alone a recent ally of Israel such as Turkey, would have sponsored and organized a flotilla whose sole purpose was to create an impossible situation for Israel: making it choose between giving up its security policy and the naval blockade, or risking the wrath of the world."
Aznar went on to state that Israel's right to exist should not be questioned as it was established by a United Nations decision, and added that as a nation with "deeply rooted democratic institutions," Israel is the only Western country that exists under constant threat of attack, whether it be from its neighboring countries or Iran.
"The real threats to regional stability," Azner wrote, "are to be found in the rise of a radical Islamism which sees Israel’s destruction as the fulfillment of its religious destiny and, simultaneously in the case of Iran, as an expression of its ambitions for regional hegemony. Both phenomena are threats that affect not only Israel, but also the wider West and the world at large."
Azner stressed, however, that the initiative would not defend any specific Israeli policies, but rather "what binds us is our unyielding support for Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself."
The former Spanish premier ended his opinion by highlighting Israel's central role in defining the West and said that "the West is what it is thanks to its Judeo-Christian roots. If the Jewish element of those roots is upturned and Israel is lost, then we are lost too. Whether we like it or not, our fate is inextricably intertwined."
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I guess he found out what the Spanish voters think of his ideas.
It is interesting and surprising to hear of a brave spaniard who is speaking out on bahalf of Israel. He is saying what every Westerner should be saying - Israel has the right to exist. If indeed Israel were accepted by all its neighbors from the very beginning, we would not have 60+ years of hostilities.
Tremendous courage, and the right example for closet Israeli supporters to follow. Hats off to you, Mr. Aznar!
This guy must be looking for a corporate job in Tel Aviv.
Is this not the man who supported George W. Bushes illegal invasion of Iraq despite the fact that the majority of his nation opposed it? He is hardly credible.
He is so right!! Everyone else will be next.These loonies aim to take over the entire non muslim world.
This guy is a laughing stock in Spain. Not even his party colleagues want to be seen with him anymore. Since he lost power he has become the worst kind of American-like neocon. His flippant support for Israel only confirms this.
Israel has nuclear subs armed with nuclear missiles , just off the coast of your nations shore, just waiting to be launched in a moments notice. THE WORLD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME ...
Go camping with Bush and Blair and forget about politics. You failed big time .
Nobody is questioning Israel's right to exist and to defend itself. On the former, the entire world is pushing for a 2 state solution, but Israel has been occupying and building illegal/immoral settlements for decades i.e. doing all in its powere to derail a viable Palestinian state. On the latter, Israel has one of the strongest and most modern killing machines in the entire world and uses its brute force repeatedly to crush any opposition or even perceived threat. Remember cast lead? Do you think Israel is incapable of defending itself? Give us a break you jerk.
People like Aznar,and many blind supporters of Israel like Christian Zionist,damage Israel.They are enough odd people in Israel to believe in Israel role in the world history and are not need for other prophets to encourage this trend.With the "help"of of people like Aznar and his kind Israel became a a pariah state and it is possible that at future elections one like lieberman would be elected prime minister and his party will hold the majority in Parliament.
Finally, a European who gets it.
Yes, José María Aznar, one of the gang who promoted the misbegotten war on Iraq. No surprises here.
John Bolton for company too? What a joke!
Who believe this guy? The guy who help invade Irak....and when some retaliated with Madrid bombing....he knowingly accused it was ETA work. The Spanish throw him out office.... for lying. He still lying.
Very rare to see, but it does happen. Israel is the first defense the world has against Islamic imperialism.
How low Europe got is just ridiculous. On one side you have a tiny democratic-liberal state with western values and advanced legal system, and on the other side you have 100s of millions of radical islamists, women abusers, child killers, suicide bombers who will kill their sister and their neighbours in the name of whatever religious principle. For some insane reason, maybe fear, Europe supports the latter.
If Israel sinks, it is because of her terrorists actions. This guy is talking as if Israel were ruled by Ghandis...What a moron.
It's not a great endorsement, coming from a politician that Spanish people has marked as a liar and a traitor when he tried to assess Atocha's attack came from ETA Lately Israel in endorsed only by this kind of looser, too sad...
The platitudes that are put forward have lost their meaning and relevance for the majority of people around the world. If Israel is the guarantee of the so-called 'Judeo-Christian' Civilization, not many would really want to cherish such a civilization - not after 1967, anyway, to be confirmed so many times in bloodshed, destruction, mayhem, and lately, concentration on killing civilians, as acknowledged by Mr. Barak several times, and in a manner that suggests that some are still entertaining value that prevailed in earlier times than one could possibly conceive.
is he speaking about such little state that depends on America´s weapons and billions of aid?
This is one European leader wise and honest enough to tell the truth. Thank you.
It is amazing how ignorant people can be. Israel is the only democracy in the ME among radical dictators tied to terrorism.
No one denies Israel's right ot exist in Israel Proper, it's the occupation they oppose. He talks about the UN establishing Israel, well they also gave the WB and Gaza to the Palestinians, what about their right to exist in their own land. I'm afraid he is just another sad apologist for Israel
Said by a man who dares not walk down any street in Spain
Thank you, Mr Aznar, you saved the European honour and morality. We need more courageous personalities like you.
For many spanish people this person is considered a criminal war. In other way, his wife is a sympathizer or member of the christian sect Legionarios de Cristo (the soldiers of Jesus Christ)
It seams that in Europe remained handful of decent and honest people. Such a surprise!
We love you Prime Minister, you see the truth and you voice it to the world. Thank you.
My maps must be wrong. I thought Israel was in the Middle East?
Israel will not trade her friends and allies for any "intertwinedness"
Isn't Trimble supposed to be an observer on the flotilla investigation? Impartiality lol
He understands that Israel is the keystone country of the Christendom, because Israel is the base, the origin, and the promise. If Israel "goes," they all go. No base, and no more promise; Islamists understand that viscerally and know the existential consequences - it's us or them, they say. Hence the troubles, the decades long intransigence, the centuries of enmity.
i mean, i'm not trying to be rude, but most islamic extremists who have plotted against western nations (bin laden, eg) have listed their primary reason for doing so as "because they support israel". i don't think a collapse of israel, realistically, would mean the collapse of western society especially seeing as how "western society" generally means "christian" not "jewish". but whatever.
You are ignorant. They are anti anyone but Islam. The word "Islam" means submission, and they aim to subjugate the entire world. A focus is Israel and the Jews. Next, they will come for you. By the way, bin Laden said his main motivation was the U.S. presence in Iraq for your information. Islam moves slowly, but moves inexorably. After proving they can overpower the West by taking Israel, they will increase pressure in other countries. Already, Muslims are targeting non-believers throughout the world. They have attacked the Chinese and Russians (who don't support Israel) and attacked Spain and England (who are not pro-Israel). They have attacked Americans, Africans, Philipinos, and the list goes on. Hide your head in the sand. The ultimate coward, your would save your own neck by by sacrificing the Jews. The truth is that the fall of Israel would cause a rise in Islamic militancy the likes of which this world have never known, and you sew the seeds of your own destruction. .
!Bravo Mr. Aznar!, you are right!
Mr Aznar lost the spanish elections 2004 because of his lies. He has no credibility. He has no notion of history neither of reality.
This guy is a joke. The kind of old-fashioned far-right politician repeating the same old clichés. Nobody takes him seriously in Spain anymore, not even in his own party, where he is avoided as an uncomfortable burden of the past. As they say in Spain: everytime he opens his mouth, bread price goes up.
Aah, John Bolton is also member of this cercle. Now, if I were an Israeli, I would be scared.
Very well then. If You want to throw the UN card, then please also try and keep Israel safely within the borders of resolution #181. That is where Israel has its right to exist according to UN.
It was not Israel who didn´t accept the resolution in 1947.It was not Israel who avoided the Palestinian to have its own country.Put the blame first in the arab leaders who didn't recognized the right of the jews and from the palestinians to have their independents countries.
The Arabs by attacking Israel made her stronger. Too bad! Jews who can defend themselves are your worst nightmare. Well it's only going to get worse my friend. Israel will no more give back the land than the U.S. will give back California to Mexico. It ain't happening, so get used to it.
In short: Allow Israel to pursue a jingoist policy without demonising its behaviour in accordance to International law...
is on the internal Israeli investigative panel for the Gaza Flotilla incident.... Priceless!
Honestly, we just can't wait.
It is high time that a voice of reason is heard and the truth is told. My deep respect ot Jose Maria Aznar. ISRAEL IS FOREVER !
Look who is talking!!!! This Spanish Prime Minister has no credibility. He was kicked out of oiffice because he listened to G W Bush. I consider him another killer.
The worse the delegitimation propaganda goes, the more will step forward to defend the moral right if Israel to a safe and unthreatened existence. Bravo Aznar!
It's one thing to support Israel's right to exist. I support that. It is quite another thing to fail to mention Israel's refusal to negotiate permanent fixed borders or Israel's abusive treatment of Palestinians. Therefore, the formal Spanish prime minister has no credibility. This initiative appears to be another neoconservative yawn.....
i hope his endeavours suceed. a healthy israel is good for the middle east and the world.
If Israel has rights in Palestine, then the same logic can be used to infer that Muslims have rights in Spain. By the way, Good Luck to the team Jose Aznar & John Bolton!! Such those radical teams would push Israel to sink farther and farther in the mud. The Israeli long term existence will not be secured by the support of Bolton & Aznar. It will be secured thru fair and just solution with Palestinians. John Bolton got out of Iraq with his tail between his legs. Such this man should be ashamed of himself and disappear from Politics.
… to José María Aznar. Let's hope that his initiative will help to protect Israel against itself
Bravo and bravo. Truer words never spoken.
Glad to know, that such a one sided, right wing, politician is not more in charche of his countries politics!
...I don't get it ...If Israel goes down, we all go down. Can someone please explain this to me? ...who are the "we" ? "Israel is our first line of defense in a turbulent region that is constantly at risk of descending into chaos," ...again who is "our" And when did the region become turbulent? ..if there was ever a time that the region was not turbulent, I suggest that Mr. José María Aznar pay a visit to that time and take a look around ...who would he see missing out of the picture.
From my humble opinion and I am spanish Aznar is talking about to realize that both countries must "walk together and friendly" and not as Zapatero has shown: confrontation and having a point of view very partially.
Empty words from a loser, who sent Spanish young soldiers to Iraq and agreed to the disastrous GWB policies in both Iraq and Afghanistan. No Spaniards will listen to this brainless man. Besides, this what he calls "Friends of Israel" is a last-minute action adopted by Zionist- AIPAC as a face-saving action to help Israel and especially Netanyahu and Lieberman from the inevitable losing and barbaric blockade of Gaza and following the Worldwide rage after Israel's attack on a Gaza-aid Flotilla.
Spain is divided into two political tendencies from a long time ago and this one as Aznar represents is that one which Spain is right now hoping to hold after have seen what means to be with Zapatero. And Although Spain has been in the past a multicultural country where jews and muslims as well as christians were living together and in peace the position which Zapatero has led is very unresponsible when acusing very easy to Israel of criminal acts. I hope with the next prime minister our country gets a better relationship with Israel as well as stronger and longer.
Thank heavens for a voice of sanity in a country (Spain) being governed by a historically antisemitic tradition, an arrogant, self-congratulatory liberal-fascism, and waves of Muslim immigrants. After the March, 2004 train bombings in Madrid, Spain willingly capitulated to radical Islam, hoping that if they sacrificed their relationship with Jews and Israel, Spain would be spared the wrath of an avenging Islam. An Islam cleverly branding Israel with Nazi symbols while shrewdly using SA, SS, Gestapo tactics to silence all opposition. Perhaps, Aznar will be able to move Spain from the role of a "bystander"or their mantra "sacrifice Israel to appease Ahmadinijad" to, at least, a reluctant participant in the international struggle against radical Islam.
Was he also going to apologize for the forced conversion/exile of Jews from his country during the Inquisition? Or his country's support of Nazi Germany? It's always easy to see the problems in other countries/people.
finally a true word from Spain that makes sense. Shalom from Holland
The Spanish booted him for a reason.
i support israels right to exist and defend itself... but i do not support israels self appointed right to steal, demean, brutalize, and prosecute the pals under the guise of self defence
At least some Europeans have learned the evil of capitulation to tyrants and terorrists from the fate of Czechoslovakia in the prelude to WW2. Mr. Chamberlain waved the capitulation paper as peace in our time. Churchill knew better, WW2 followed. the west needs to stand firm for Israel and defeat Hamas. the blockade is vital to prevent weapons smuggling and is a first line of defense against terrorist tyranny, ie Iran, Hezbollah, Syria and yes Turkey.
The west existed thousands of years before Israel's creation in 1948. So why Aznar is linking the west's destiny to Israel's? Of course, western people will never collapse if Israel collapses. What would probably collapse in that case is the western colonialism. This colonialism that created and used Israel to defend its interests after WWII.
They should try to get Bush as well...
Aznar is continuing the greatest tradition of Spanish history, the tradition of anti-fascist resistance. Israel today is in a position parallel to that of the Second Spanish Republic in 1936: an open democratic society in a region surrounded by dictatorships, besieged by fascism and its internal proxies (in Spain, these took the form of Franco and the Falange, which received military aid from Mussolini; in Israel they take they form of Iranian-funded Hamas). In 1937 when the Fascist armies besieged Madrid, the battle-cry of the defending Republican forces was: No Pasaran! "They shall not pass." This must be the message of Israel and its allies around the world to Hamas, Hizbollah and their neo-fascist ideologies.
I am not sure that "Aznar" is the man Israel needs now. It's like befriending a sillier, out of office, G.W. Bush. Plus: ""the West is what it is thanks to its Judeo-Christian roots. If the Jewish element of those roots is upturned and Israel is lost, then we are lost too. Whether we like it or not, our fate is inextricably intertwined."" This is very insulting to the diaspora Jews.
Finally, and about time, an influential, if nominal portion of the international community facing the reality of the situation with respect to Israel's existential crisis and diagnosis. We can only hope that this initiative will be successful in bring along other justice-seeking, reality-recognizing members of the international community.
Finally, and about time, an influential, if nominal portion of the international community facing the reality of the situation with respect to Israel's existential crisis and diagnosis. We can only hope that this initiative will be successful in bring along other justice-seeking, reality-recognizing members of the international community.
The dawn of enlightenment for a Spanish politician !!! I guess a lot of others in Europe need to see what he does...the former Prime Minister must be applauded for his guts to stand up in Israel's defense.
it really makes me happy to finally see people, especially Europeans stepping up to the plate and taking charge. It is so hard to be pro-israeli and still not face the dangers of media criticism. I wish the best for this new organization....goodluck...keep us STRONG!
"our fate is inextricably intertwined.
We need peace in the Middle-East not more of the 'them and us' mentality. So Aznar wants Israel to remain a fortress to stop the Islamic hoards from attacking the west. Perhaps you should deal with the Palestinian problem first Mr Aznar. I like Jewish people and I like Israelis, but changing the issue into a perpetual conflict between civilised west and the barbaric Muslims will not solve any problems, just make it worse. I think Israelis and Arabs can do better than this Mr Aznar, please keep your views to yourself.
honest and wise man
This man is honest and courageous...is there no one to comment on this article? He is correct that Israel is the canary in the coal mine. We in the west need to wake up quickly, stop the bullying of Israel, and stand with her as she would do with us. I am proud that my Canadian Prime minister is standing for Israel, even more than some Jews do. Wake up! We are in this together whether we like it or not.. G_d bless Israel and Canada, and Aznar
at last a man who have balls dare to say what all other westerners rulers are afraid to say! Thank you Mr Aznar , I admire you
The question remains who is included in "we"
Sometimes it seems the only state that does not Israel's right to exist inside its own borders is Israel... It only recognizes itself outside of its borders, over the Green Line, with the Settlements... For Israel, today, it seems that an Israel without the Occupation is unrecognizable.
surely its not the crossades nor the time when the Muslims invaded spain.....Go fix your economy first and save ur country before saving others
Spain although known for prosecuting Jews and expelling them, also was the cradle to the "Golden Century" or "Siglo de Oro" where Christians,Jews and Muslims lived in peace and culture, science and religion flourished. Something to think about and learn.
He announced that the bombs on march 11 2004 in Madrid Atocha station were the fact of ETA !
In order to establish that this former politician and the other "C" listers mentioned here are part of an Israeli PR front, we need to know their opinions on a few issues: (1) Do they support Israels ongoing settlement expansion? (2) Do they support the complete blockade of Gaza? (3) What is their take on the Gaza op? We need to know specifics in order to know who somebody is. It is not enough to be supportive of a variety of "feel good" generic issues. What do they think of the real and most controversial issues. Those are the ones that the international community is concerned with.
Israel is not alone! Together we stand.
Don't you understand he is just trying to make his political come back and legytimacy by riding Israel's case? He is a supporter of Franco the nasty dictator who ruled spain for 38 years he is christian rightist from the strait line of inquisition and forced conversion of both jews and muslims after the reconquest of Spain. If you israelis rhink he is your friend, you surely are deluding your self. I don't like this clown.
About time the world understood what Israel is against.
All settlements are legaly conquered territory Israel won in a defensive war. To the winner go the spoils of war. Why not ask the USA to return the Southwest to Mexico? This world is made up of many hypocrites who`s antisemetism trumps any reason for truth or sanity.
Where under international law are the settlements illegal. Please provide specifics? Thank you.
a former prime minister of a great, western country, so inclined to show support for israel. okay. but what about the palestinians? completely out? no thought, no word whatsover. not a fair way from a former prime minister. not a great comfort for any palestinian person.
Palestinian national asperations and Jewish national asperations need not be mutually exclusive contrary to the vast majority of hateful voicies from the Arab world.
It is encouraging to finally hear a voice of reason in this madness. I wish the rest of the western world would open their eyes and mind and stop for a moment to think of Israel as Jews, but as a sovereign country like any other in the western world and see who is the real threat in this area and to the rest of the world. Israel never threatened the existence of another country. The occupation was a result of wars that were imposed on it. Israel will gladly return the occupied land if their neighbors would accept its right to exist and agree to real peace.
This is the person that, while president and after the terrorist attack in Madrid insisted that the culprit was ETA instead of AlQueda. He was voted out immediately after as spaniards valued truth and discarded securitAry fearmongering. This is tha liar that brought spain to an illegal war following the US as a puppet This is the liar that misled the country during and following the sinking of the Prestige This president erred clearly and blatantly in many of his judgements during and after his presidency You may discard his words as mere empty phrases that lack perspective and depth (as shownover and over) even if they sous like music supporting Israel's policies unconditionally and he is a pitiful clown
We Pals understand that Jews are basically our very close cousins or even brothers and sisters. Either way, they're close family. Unfortunately it has been Israel's extremist views which has caused them to sink this low, and with all due respect to Spain's former PM, he must at the least acknowledge this. It's time for the Jews and Pals to unite and be done with these extreme elements amongst both our great people once and for all. Can you image the nation we can build if we just acknowledged one another's right to exist. The technology, tourism, exports, etc that we can produce will make us one wealthy and admired nation by all. Yalla, lets make it happen sooner rather than later because I for one would love to go back home to Ramallah for good.
We all wish Israel to stay and remain strong and secure.But the moral high ground must allways be on our side, that means to act wisely and towards peace.
up to the facts. Jews, given their history, must be in a place of their own that they can control. Perhaps, after much water has passed under the bridge, and relations are good and close, small incremental steps can be taken to bring the peoples into a political alliance of some sort, but it is completely unrealistic to think that can happen now. At this point, simple peace and non-violence would be a massive step forward and part of that would be freedom of ingress and egress of goods and people.
While I admire the content of your post, I am unsure about the We Pals part. Did you and your people refer to yourselves as We Pals prior to the '60's. I think that the Pal moniker is an invention by Arafat to bring legitimacy to his Tunis crew. That being said, you can go to Ramallah anytime you wish, and hopefully convince your people not to blow up buses and kill innocents. At that point, I'm all in favor of Yalla, let's have Peace. You will find Israel's hand outstretched and mutual prosperity will reign.
And who prevents you from going home to Ramallah? Fatah? Hamas? And be honest: What is your aim for the future? A single "democratic" Arab state of Palestine that includes all of Israel?
I am an Israely, born in Turkey (interesting situation) pleased to read N.11 the hardcore Pal. I wish more of us could raise our voices to put an end to this situation and unite against all radicals. As for former PM Mr. Aznar, thank you for raising your voice and pointing the light towards Turkey because the root of the flottila problems lies exactly there and in the APK that organised the flottilla to put Israel in a loose-loose situation. Turkey is the moral responsible of the 9 deaths.
You pin extremism on Israel, when Hamas bombs civilian buses, markets and falafel stands; while it shoots missiles to Israel's cities. Then you go on to praise the technology, tourism and economy that Israel -not Palestine- has developed. I stretch my hand to you, my Palestinian brother. Let's have each nation its state now, and let's join hands just like the EU. But just as countries there are still different, so shall Israel be home of the Jewish people, and Palestine home of the Palestinian people. By all means, go back to Ramallah, help your people fight your Islamist terrorists, as I help Israel get rid of settlers and right-wing bigots. Then we shall have each one our state, and have all the partnerships we can dream about.
Thank you for that outstanding statement. I only hope this becomes possible very soon.
Thanks Paulus. This is one of the sanest comments I have ever read, coming out of this part of the world. The region needs people like you.
20% Arabs in Israel and nearly every single Jew kicked out of the rest of the Arab-controlled Middle East. The Palestinians are attempting to gain as much Jew-free territory as possible. Who are the extremists?
You don't need to convince us - just check any of the scientific polls that demonstrate a healthy 70%+ support for two state solution with east Jerusalem. Problem is you need to cmvince Pals and Arab world who insist on absolute right of return for all pal diaspora to israel proper. Polls show that the support for a two state solution that involves the only viable solution- right of return to new pal state only recieves. Low to no support. Sugget that a reluctence to negotiate your extinction is a reasonable reaction.
and a friend of mine to Damascus and another to Baghdad and just another to Alexandria, Beirut, Zanaa, Damaskus.....shall i continue?
how it goes for israel it goes for the rest of the West...... so obvious .......all praise to Aznar
Well... considering the fact that Aznar could very well embody a classic disney-cartoon villain of an evil empire we can only hope his projections are correct. Common guys! Is this the best friend u can come up with...I mean seriously...AZNAR-whohahahar!!! This liar got a dark red card from the spanish people already.
This declaration by former PM Aznar is certainly anomalous for him who once was a leader of Spain. On the contrary, Excellency, if Israel goes down and the rest of the world stands aside, we shall all have peace. It is distressing and a blot on the history of Spain that a former leader makes a statement such as that of Señor Aznar's. Perhaps his views are among the factors that got him trounced in the Spanish elections of 2004. Most of the Hispanic world would find Señor Aznar's views at best absurd, and at worst perhaps blasphemous.
If Israel goes down, much of the world will be gone. As to Spanish sensibilities, your right, there is a deep anti-semitism that has its roots in the culture that led to the inquisition. You just want to finish the job ... but its not going to happen. Hopefully, that is distressing to you and yours.
" if Israel goes down and the rest of the world stands aside, we shall all have peace"! (graczek) Tell that to Sudan in Darfur, to Iraqis Shias vs Sunnis, To Algiers, To Russians vs Chechens, To Sri Lanka, To Somalis, etc.
"Excellency, if Israel goes down and the rest of the world stands aside, we shall all have peace." So, all the Arabs will stop fighting one another if Israel goes down? Moron.
Israel is the last pitch of Western civilization against radical islam. Palestinians are a pawn in Muslims game. Radical islam understands that in order to undermine the West they have to win the war against Israel. Israel self defence is the defence of all western democratic civilization.
His argument is based upon the geoplitical reality that in israel absence the Arabs will simply move on to the next scapegoat
I applaud Former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar for his courageous stand and could not agree more. Thank you for standing for righteousness and not backing down in the face of polical correctness.
...and only the severely delusional see Israel as the poor little victim. Aznar says nothing here that we haven't heard a few thousand times before and he needs to understand that technology has provided a window on Israel and we all see the truth for ourselves. What we see clearly is that Israel is without doubt the single biggest threat to world stability.
It is you, my dear, that is severely delusional. Aznar is right on target. Radical Islam is the major source of instability, and Israel defends herself daily (hourly). Please educate yourself before you rant.
Silly reply, if Israel disappeareed overnight nothing in the ME would change, except possibly the Arabs would be at one another's throats in an instant. Israel is the 'king pin' in the log jam of ruling Arab kings, shieks, tyrants, oligarks, Mullahs, princes, and monsters. Remove it and its blood on the streets because the current demongraphy is young, full of testosterone and has satelite TV to see a better life elsewhere and ask why not here? Who will these rulers blame for their incompetence and the poverty of their nations? Why the Jews, of course. Remove them and its Iranian style revolutions all over the ME.
The real threats to regional stability is Israel. This man is an idiot who has no concept of history, justice or facts. "the West is what it is thanks to its Judeo-Christian roots" What planet is he on, Christian roots caused the dark ages, the west is what it is today is because of wealth, education, strength and mainly because of telling the church not to stick its nose where it does not belong!
The real threat to stability are the Mosem Islamists, not Israel. Every terror attack all over the world was perpetrated by a Moslem , not a Jew or Israeli.
And in the names of the very big silent majority of felow spanish peoples.
You know---the ones Israel always get it,s "Friends " sit on. Aznar the little war criminal and co Blair Poodle.
is one of the 'impartial observers' for the flotilla killings. What a co-incidence that he is one of the 'friends of israel'....
He has more moral spine in a fraction of his backbone than most western leaders. The truth hurts dude. Suck it!
His statements are clear and lucid. One only hopes "anti-Semitically correct" Zapatero loses to the Partido Popular in the next elections in Spain. This is the exception in a Europe that is deeply in moral decline and political hypocrisy.
What makes israel so important to Europe? is it America and no one told me?