Today, Ahmadinejad's threats echo those of earlier generations: that Israel has no right to exist. But given Iran's continued dabbling in a Nuclear program, these threats should be considered serious cause for alarm.
Not to mention, as Iran and Syria extend their influence over Lebanon and strengthen ties with Palestinian refugees, some feel that the situation in the Middle East is coming to a head: Hamas, Palenstine's first proper elected government, refused to acknowledge the existence of a Jewish state.
Hezbollah, seen as a moderate alternative to Hamas, nevertheless was involved in the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers in 2006, which helped start the Second Israeli-Lebanon War.
Israel's actions have at time been dubious, or easy to criticize, but she finds a natural ally in India. India too faces perpetual threat from hostile nations on either side, as this week's blasts in Jaipur too painfully remind us.
Perhaps that's why the two have become increasingly allied, most recently with India launching Israeli satellites. It's in the world's best interest that that Israel will someday live at peace with its neighbors. But, and understandably so, Israel's first priority will always remain its own defense, particularly when its radicalized neighbours still deny its very right to existence.
Image: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad waves upon his arrival at the Chaklala Airbase in Rawalpindi on April 28, 2008.
Photograph: Farooq Naeem/AFP/Getty Images
Also read: US Prez poll: Huckabee, Obama win Iowa
Advertisement
