Israel and Pakistan

The Head Heeb reminds me of the recent signals that Pakistan might establish relations with Israel. Pakistan President General Musharraf hinted about recognizing Israel in an interview to GeoTV.

He said in view of the changing international scenario Pakistan has to consider whether its Israel policy needs review or not.

He said this issue be taken up seriously and not on emotional grounds. President Musharraf said Islamabad would also consult Islamic countries with regard to any relations with Israel.

Here’s Musharraf’s quote from the interview:

“If the peace process is going forward and they are moving towards peace then we should think whether we will keep our stance against Israel or not,” he told the private Geo-TV news channel. “We need a national consensus on it.

“We have no reason to become more Palestinian than the Palestinians or more Catholic than the Pope.”

I think it is actually a good idea for Pakistan to recognize Israel. It means I can also visit Israel. (Currently, my Pakistani passport says “Valid for all countries except Israel.”) I heard about this first from Zachary Latif about a month ago but forgot about it.

The religious alliance (MMA) leaders immediately opposed the idea.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and MMA parliamentary leader Qazi Hussain Ahmad has warned that acknowledging Israel would become final nail in the coffin of President Musharraf’s rule.

In a statement Tuesday, he said those talking of acknowledging Israel should learn from what Yasser Arafat got out of it. He said Pakistani rulers were oblivious of the espionage and sabotage activities by Israeli secret service Mossad in those countries which had acknowledged Israel, that was why they were ready to do that only to get the ‘US pat on the back’ and to get its support for their illegal rule.

He said Jerusalem was not just Arabs’ issue but directly linked to the faith of every Muslim because it was the first ‘Qibla’ and the place from where Holy Prophet (PBUH) went to Mairaj. Presenting Palestine as a sole Arab issue was a heinous conspiracy of the imperialists and colonists, aimed at disintegrating the Muslims and shattering the concept of unity of Muslims. He said for the same reason the colonist forces were trying to portray every Muslim issue as regional or bilateral.

He also warned that no Arab ruler or army had the right to amend the concept of Jerusalem land which was declared as Islamic trust by the second caliph Hazrat Umar (RA).

Here are some other statements by leaders of the religious alliance MMA.

“Whoever supports Israel supports tyranny and supports millions of Palestinians not coming back to their homes,” said Munnawar Hasan, secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami, one of the parties making up the Islamic bloc in parliament.

“President Musharraf is following the agenda of Jews and Americans. The agenda he (Musharraf) is following is anti-Pakistani, anti-people and anti-Islam.”

“If the Musharraf government makes any attempt to recognise Israel then the whole Pakistani nation will throw Musharraf’s government out of power.”

Other opposition parties are also against recognizing Israel.

Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) senior leader, Raja Zafar ul Haq has warned that if the rulers recognize Israel, the reaction will be very strong in Pakistan .

“General Musharraf did not show resistance on any issue till today, but reaction will be very strong in Pakistan if Israel is recognized. The people hold strong sentiments about Israel’s attitude towards Al-Quds and Israeli atrocities in Palestine,” he said in an interview with Radio Tehran.

Some of the federal ministers have issued statements “clarifying” that Musharraf did not mean to recognize Israel now.

Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said there is no question of recognising Israel as Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali has already given a statement in this regard.

When asked about President Musharraf’s statement on the subject, the minister said, “The president had referred to the Middle East peace roadmap, according to which Palestine is to be made a state.”

Another minister has spoken sort of in favor of the idea.

Federal Interior Minister Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat on Sunday called for a joint decision of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to recognise Israel or not.

Talking to The Nation, the Federal Minister argued that Islamabad had neither any direct confrontation nor conflict of interests with Israel while some of the main Arab countries have already recognised it. ?Even after 55 years of confrontation with India, if we can continue diplomatic ties with it why not with Israel?? he questioned. He said that Islamabad would have to take decisions in the larger national interests keeping in view the 21st century requirements.

Geo TV also did an opinion poll on the subject which found that roughly half of the Pakistanis questioned were willing to review Israeli ties. However, it was not a random sample. Rather it consisted of selected viewers of Geo TV based in the major cities of Pakistan. The question was “Should we review our policy on Israel” with respondents answering yes or no. The question is ambiguous and some people who want Pakistan to do more against Israel could also reply in the affirmative. However, even with all the problems with this poll, it is a significant result.

The News, which is probably Pakistan’s largest newspaper group, did not take a stand against or for recognizing Israel in an editorial. But it does consider Israel to be a “vicious enemy” and having lots of influence in the US through the “powerful Jewish American community.”

A primary factor is that the Jewish state has long been an enemy of Pakistan. We had refused to accept Israel as a legal entity because it was illegally imposed upon Arab land by force by the United States. This exercise had resulted in the death of thousands of Palestinians and the expulsion of millions from their homes in what is the holy land.

Pakistan’s non-recognition cost it dearly as it invited the enmity of the powerful American Jewish community, which has a major stake in the US media, economy and politics. At the same time Tel Aviv became a staunch friend of India, benefiting it with much needed assistance in military hardware, training and supply of state of the art AWACs—Phantoms. The American Jewish community also heavily lobbied in favour of India in influencing US policies. The benefit we gained by opposing Israel was Arab gratitude that was translated into support on the Kashmir issue and economic help.

[…]Although the final decision will ultimately be decided by the people, the government would need to weigh what immediate good Pakistan could expect from such a decision and how deeply interested Israel may be in seeking our acceptance. An obvious benefit may be a change in the hostile attitude of the US media and political influentials who might be inclined to be more balanced in their attitude towards Pakistan. Another plus point is that Israel might be ready to sell some of its sophisticated military hardware to Pakistan or decline selling it to India. But, overall it will rid us of the threat from a vicious enemy.

And now some Israeli reaction:

A senior representative of the Israeli administration has lauded the views expressed by President Pervez Musharraf, in his exclusive interview to the Geo TV Channel, on the question of according recognition to Israel by the government of Pakistan.

One of the senior most Israeli diplomats, Israeli Ambassador accredited to EU and also covering the NATO, Oded Eran told The News that the statement of President Pervez Musharraf on taking the issue of recognition of Israel seriously in the changed circumstances is applauded as ‘positive’ by the Israeli government.

Adhering to his previous stance of pursuing even handed approach towards India and Pakistan if Pakistan recognizes Israel, the Israeli Ambassador to EU said formal contact between Tel Aviv and Islamabad would only be possible when Israel receives positive gestures indicating Pakistani willingness to accord recognition to Israel.

So why is Pakistan thinking about recognizing Israel? The main reason is related to the military and India. The Pakistani military has mostly gotten military hardware and technology from China since the US stopped its military aid. Pakistan needs more and better sources for technology. On the other hand, cooperation between India and Israel has been increasing over the years. Pakistan would like to counter that by establishing relations with Israel. The Israeli ambassador’s interview is especially interesting in this light. He says that Israel would be neutral in the conflict between India and Pakistan if Pkaistan is willing to recognize Israel. This is also significant in terms of secret military deals. Pakistan would probably be happy to strike some secret deals for military hardware or technology (like it is rumored it did with apartheid-era South Africa, another government it did not recognize) but Israel wants no part in that.

Will it happen? It could, under the right circumstances. The poll, though extremely flawed, is a good reason for optimism. Also, there needs to be people invested in this idea. A constituency which will gain from recognizing Israel. Sort of like the decision by the previous government of Nawaz Sharif to change the weekly holiday to Sunday due to demands by its business constituency. The military and national security establishment might be one group which will benefit. However, they are not enough. The businessmen need to be convinced as well. If Pakistan recognizes Israel, it should establish full trade relations and not restrict itself to military cooperation only.

The major hurdle is the religious alliance. They are powerful nowadays with considerable support inside Parliament as well as street power. They opposed the Sunday holiday as well but at the time they were weak and were satisfied by Nawaz Sharif in other ways. Another issue is that Musharraf is locked in a struggle with the religious alliance and other opposition parties over his constitutional amendments and military uniform. That is definitely more important to Musharraf than recognition of Israel. Plus Musharraf has not shown any cojones in matters not related to his survival in power. He withdrew announced changes in blasphemy laws during his martial law days due to opposition by religious leaders.

UPDATE: An online poll on Jang’s website is currently running 46.54% in favor versus 46.22% against (total votes 1863) recognition of Israel being in Pakistan’s national interest. Take it with a ton of salt as you should all online polls.

By Zack

Dad, gadget guy, bookworm, political animal, global nomad, cyclist, hiker, tennis player, photographer

73 comments

  1. I think that Pakistan should not recognize Isreal ,if we did so then this will be the end of Pakistan and as well as of islam ,jews has demolished the moral values of muslims especially in Pakistan and the new generation of Pakistan is in the dept of bad deeds ,and it is time for muslims to take seware action againet non-muslims especially jews .Dr Israr Ahmed is working fow kuslims but no body is taking actions

  2. Suleman: Which world do you live in? Quit this conspiracy mongering and give me a good reason not to recognize Israel.

    How can Jews demolish the moral values of Muslims? What the @#$% are you talking about?

  3. I like to say something about “Recognizing Israel.” I agree with Zack. It is best time for Pakistan to open door with Israel in order to make strong relationship in the future including military and technology… I don’t even agree with hardliner Islamic(Opposition party)…Remember they are illiterate, non-respectful, hateful against world, hard to understand, and weak….They are gangsters of Pakistan…and they are gangsters from Afghanistan….I don’t think so that Israel will have problems with Pakistan and relationship….

    Congratulation to Gen.Musharraf for his hard working and outstanding job to make Pakistan proud and lovely country…..I believe Pakistan is strong country against enemy.. SHUT UP to MMA or hell whatver other PLQ tooo and stupid bald Nawaz Sharif…

    Keep in mind that Pakistan’s Economy is greatly dramatic changed and positive for future development….and also importantly education (whose 42% poor people can’t read and write at age over 15)….TIME TO CHANGE PAKISTAN NOW…

    God Bless Pakistan Zindabad….:)
    We are proud to be a true Pakistan look at the FLAG….I am currently first year students from Rochester University studying Imaging Science in USA……

    USA-PAK-USA-PAK-USA-PAK-USA-PAK-USA-PAK-USA-PAK

  4. in pakistan somany companies are working these all are mostly jewsh…

    like mirrage air craft…the ouner is jewsh…
    other if we go thrw… we will find more..
    so why we not recongnise israel as state..

  5. Salman: I don’t agree with your approval of Musharraf.

    Avon: There is a difference between Jewish and Israeli.

  6. To Zack:

    Huh, don’t you agree with my point. Just wondering, Are you involved in extremists groups? You WANT to destroy Pakistan…Oh i see..
    Pls give me clearly your perspective…

  7. Salman: I don’t agree with your point about Gen Musharraf. I did argue for recognition of Israel in my post.

    BTW, what makes you think I am “involved in extremist groups” or “WANT to destroy Pakistan”? Can you point to anything on my weblog that gives that impression?

    I consider myself a liberal democrat and have no love lost for Pakistani generals who consider themselves Messiahs.

  8. Thanks for answer….Hmm, Pakistan should be a ‘whopping’ yes recognise to Israel..However, there is still a little problem: Islamic Hardliners(MMA) opposed to that and disagrees with Pres.Musharraf… How will we solve this real problem? Cuz they are gangsters and uneducated….
    I would like to listen your opinion, Zack…

  9. Salman: That problem will only be solved with time. As I said in my post, Musharraf is more interested in his own presidency and powers than in recognizing Israel etc., so he won’t push the issue if there is strong MMA opposition.

  10. hi,

    I think there is absolutely no harm in recognising Israel. We recoginise India. They are butchering our brothers in Kashmir and Gujrat, yet we accord them full diplomatic recognition. We have no direct conflict with Israel as a nation. Regarding the issue of religions, let’s face it as muslims we have much more in common religiously with the jews than we have with hindus…we worship one God, have many common prophets and messengers…in fact when travelling abroad its sometimes useful to have kosher meat available! Muslims are even allowed to marry jewish women, the same does not hold for Hindu women. I mean our religions are reconcilable, we have no direct confrontation, the arabs are willing to recognise them…there is a road map for peace…they have recognised a potential palestinian state…why is Pakistan being held hostage by a few extremist zealots that most people in Pakistan detest anyways!

    peace
    ozman

  11. Ok pakithug. You have been warned. All your comments will now appear without vowels. If you continue to spout your nonsense, you will be banned.

  12. what you just suggested that we recodnize israel offends most pakistanis.once we do that and have them in our country it will make it easier for their spies to destroy our defence weapons.you talk about islamic extermism which exits.but have you seen jewish extremism here in north america.do you know how much money president bush has wasted on israel when that money could have been spent on needy americans.in my school we had jewish extremists who cursed chrisitanity because it calls jesus the son of god.but when a christian person made an anti-jewish comment he was in trouble.do you know that ‘israel’was created by force on arab lands.any opinion in north america is acceptable evan anti-christian opinions are regrded as personal opinions but anything anti-jewish is considered the biggest crime.while jewish extrmists shout on the streets and terrorize those who evan have opinions against them.do you know how hard it is for nations to break free of jewish control once they have fallen under it.poeple might disagree with me saying theres no such thing as jewish control.but then tell me this.who controls western media and banks?why do muslims(and blacks) in the west face so much racism while jews dont.why is only pro-israeli opinion acceptable and not pro-palestinian.how come people condemn colanization today and not condemn jews for setting up a colony in palestine.howcome benjamin natanyhu(former israeli prime minister) made a rascist statement saying ‘a good arab is a dead arab’ and got away with it.anyone saying the samething about the jews would be in jail.howcome allied forces in the gulf war didnt stop in kuwait after driving out the iraqis and continued into southern iraq and risked their lives just to take the scud missles (which were aimed at the israelis not kuwait).howcome rachel corrie(an AMERICAN)was killed by israeli bull dosers(while trying to protect a palestinian home from the bulldoser) and there was just silence from the usa government.ill answar you these questions in one answar its because backward goverenments in the west are in their power and there are people in those countries who are struggling for their freedom and trying to break free of their control.is that what you want for pakistan you stupid idiot.the jewish lobby of america will turn americans against anyone they dont like.for example clington who had an affair with lewinsky and the media didnt pay mush attention to that but until clington posponed a meeting with netenyahu who said it was urgent but clington still said no.the next day the jews got their revenge by making his affair an huge issue in america through their media.lots of out freedom has been detroyed by the extrmists back home in pakistan.do you want the jews to come in and finish the mullahs work for them by destroying the minior freedoms we have.(zionist)jews have always attempted to gain maximum control of the world since their existance.not:ultra orthodox jews are fully oppossed to zionism and dont recodnise israel(which never existed)sorry you dont speak for pakistans benifits.you speak of our down fall into hell.we(pakistanis)say pakistan zindabad!!!! down down israel!

  13. nadir: I don’t think recognizing Israel will result in Israeli spies (that’s Israeli, not Jewish!) in Pakistan. And Jewish extremism in North America is rare. The only case I can remember is that guy Goldstein who was planning to bomb some mosques but he was caught.

    Regarding aid to Israel, most of it is a result of the Israel-Egypt peace agreement. Egypt also receives a huge amount of aid as well. But ok, aid to Israel is a topic that can be debated.

    There is no Jewish control of states or Jewish terrorism of the gentile. For someone decrying racism, you have a lot of racism in your comment. I think you need to unlearn all these conspiracy theories. Until then, please don’t write such crazy racist stuff on my blog.

  14. please sir, do what is in the favour of pakistan,Islam.don’t forget the pakistan’s people emotion.in my opinion don’t accept pakistan

  15. zack, i am an impartial person, but think what isreal do with muslims for years. you accept them as your friend. ok i don’t say that we don’t accept isreal, but if they solve all problems with palestians muslims(its a condition). don’t let yourself here go and search the other sides what they are doing… please and then after that make a correct view about any think. i don’t say you are wrong in your decision but watch it for some time… keep in touch (mumaransari@hotmail.com)

  16. Umar,

    I am continually surprised as to why Pakistanis are averse to establishing formal ties with Israel. We have had a covert partnership for years and Pakistan extracted a promise that Israel wouldn’t bomb our nuclear facilities.

    Yasser Arafat was the greatest friend of India, he called Indira Gandhi his sister and mourned at her funeral. I doubt in this increasingly complex world of political dynamics that Pakistan should support the cause of someone so treacherous. We should act in our own interests not that of the Ummah and if recognising Israel is to our favour then I completely support it.

  17. ZACHARY LATIF,
    IT IS VERY RIGHT THAT DO WHAT WHICH IS IN THE FAVOUR OF PAKISTAN. PAKISTAN IS AN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY OF ITS OWN CULTURE AND VALUES… WE MUST KNOW THEM… PAKISTAN IS FOUNDED ON THE NAME OF ISLAM….. ISREAL IS THE GREAT ENEMY OF OURS FOR A LONG TIME… WHAT IT DID LAST FEW DAYS… CONTRACT WITH INDIA FOR WEAPONS… WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY USED AGAINST PAKISTAN…. OKKKK WE MUST SEE OUR STRATEGY ABOUT THIS SITUATION… SO WHAT ITS DOES NOW A DAYS WITH MUSLIMS… WHO HAD DONE THE SEP.11 ATTACTS… NOT MUSLIM… ,YOU SAY WE LEAVE OUR BROTHERS ALONE,IN THAT HELL..WE MUST KEEP OUR UNITY… ITS VERY IMPORTANT FOR US TO STOP THAT WAR WHICH IS AGAINST MUSLIMS… I AM NOT AN EXTREMIST PERSON. I AM AN IMPARTIAL PERSON… I ONLY WANT THAT WE MUSLIMS LIVE WITH PEACE AND KEEP UNITY WITH OURSELF…(mumaransari@hotmail.com)

  18. Umar: Please don’t shout (i.e., remove the caps lock).

    Israel is NOT Pakistan’s enemy and has never been. If Pakistan had recognized Israel like India did in 1992, the India-Israel military cooperation might not have happened. Also, Israel has always said that it’ll not take a side in the Pakistan-India disputes if Pakistan establishes relations with it.

    Also, all indications about the Sept 11 terrorist attacks are that Bin Laden was behind it. He has even boasted about it.

    If you are talking about the Palestinians near the end of your comment, I think Pakistan would have more influence in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict if we recognize Israel than otherwise.

  19. ZACK,
    How are you. its right that if we accept isreal it is in favour of us. but don’t forget that we are muslims and we are consider to protect our muslim comunity in the world. although we must create some relationship with isreal. not to go for it as a whole at that moment ok… muslims is a great nation and we know our responsibility in this world. i agree but some extent… i want you and i call other people to comment here. (mumaransari@hotmail.com)

  20. hello umar… i totally agree with u… but which islamic countries r u talking about… u really think that… if tomoro usa/israel/india or anyone else… attack on Pakistan… will ur islamic countries come to help us… i guess not. i am not saying that muslim community is coward… but instead of talking about war and attack on non-muslim countries v should spend our time thinking about, how to improve the education and other systems in pakistan… there are only around lessthan 600 universities in all islamic states… and UK alone have 1000 universites…. and among those 600 universities can anyone compete with MIT. i don’t think so…
    islam is a very straight forward religion… but these molvies are practicing islam in a wrong manner, and this gives a negative image of muslims to non-muslims. talking about israel, i totaly agree with Gen. musharraf v should edit our policies according to ground reality.
    one more question… what is the reason.. that whatever happens in any part of the world england and usa close their embassies in Pakistan? what i believe this is because of the stupid and meaningless comments from our molvies…..
    at the end i would like to say that… pakistan should think about her existance… and should do whatever it takes to secure pakistan…..

  21. I think that Pakistan will get more out of a relationship with Israel if it recognized it early. If we recognize Israel and normalize relations with it when the rest of the Muslim and Arab world does so, it would be ok but won’t have that extra benefit that Pakistan could get now.

  22. I don’t think so that Pakistan will aceept Israel we are muslim and we said one time we don’t say many many time we have only one tunge listen Israel that you are making very big mistak and you are living in the eden of fool .you are not able to accept you you are the real problems of this world .We will not accept you.

  23. Salaams all (SHALOM as in the case for jews)! Well ask me and id say to recognise israel and that pakistan shouldnt waste even a second at it! Look at the positive side u narrow minded illeterate extremist pakistanis out there.
    1) What have we achieved by not recognising israel? Praise of the muslim world??NO! 2) On what grounds should we not recognise israel? BECAUSE THEY R LIVING ON OCCUPIED TERRITORY?? NO! 3) Would we be a worse off state after recognising israel?? NO! NO! NO! The truth is tht 56 years of pak existence and 56 years of NO ISRAEL recognition has given pakistan nothing but bad name in the international forum. We havent even gained the praise of the muslim world. This palestinian conflict is an ARAB-ISRAELI conflict and nothing to do with Islam! That is coz i believe that arabs have one religion and that is money, oil and ARABIA! We were mislead into the nuclear tests by these Arabs saying that they will support us if sanctions are levied.. but no one came forward when pakistan really did need their help. Saudi Arabia can help a brother muslim country such as pakistan to pay of its debt of 36 Billion which is mere peanuts for SA but it doesnt! WHY?!?!? And mind u, the israelis are not living on occupied territory. The palestinians sold their land to the jews when they first landed on tht soil for ten times the price. Jews had the money, and the palestinians had the low IQ level and it worked! Next i asked whether we wud be worse off if we recognise israel. Well wer already so worse off by not recognising israel i think the game would turn around by recognising it. HOW?? Well we know that Jews control US foreign policy, Jews control the US President, Jews control nearly all the media of the world, and it is the Jews that control the politics of today! So if we recognise Israel, we mite get a bad name in front of the ARABS but then again we dont really matter to them neways, We will get a better treatment from the US in its foreign policy, its aid and its trade with us, We will get a gud name in front of the world media as it is the jewish media that is bringin bad name to Pakistan in the first place! So taking all these pros and cons, i think that ne one with as little sense as the size of a grain of salt will support the idea to recognise israel, which apart from pakistan is the only other country that was formed based on the RELIGION!!!! Pakistan Zindabad, Pak Kaum Paaindabad!

    WASALAAMZ

  24. Hamza: Amazing that you are arguing on my side but your worldview is so different and full of so many conspiracy theories.

  25. Zack bruv the main hurdle in the path towards recognising israel r the religious extremists of pakistan. Once their mouths r shut, i guarantee u tht no leader wud object recognition of tht country. And my theories r not based on any personal thoughts, they are wht i have witnessed by living in the middle east for 15 yrs of my 20 yr life and i know wht the arabs think of us. May God show us all the right path.
    Pakistan Zindabad, Pak Kaum Paaindabad!

  26. Forgot to ask this simple question to all those who oppose the idea of recognising israel:
    What is the difference between India in Kashmir killing muslims there and Israel in Palestine killing muslims there? Occupied land? Muslim mass murder? Then y recognise India who dreams of getting the chance to bring pakistan to rubbles and not Israel who isnt a direct threat to us? Give it a thought! And wht islamic states are we talking about? Iran and Libya who nearly brought Pakistan to its knees because they didnt have the gutts to stand against the US and gave Pakistans name to the US for nuclear technology export. Arab states who never utter a word for Kashmir yet are everready to fight for Palestine? I think Pakistan should wake up and smell the coffee and once and for all realise that we as Pakistanis r alone in this world as well as the Ummah and that we have to decide whts best for Pakistan ONLY!
    Pakistan Zindabad, Pak Kaum Paaindabad!

  27. Well zack il be most glad if u prove me wrong but this is the bitter truth. Pepsi, Coca Cola, McDonalds, Marks and Spencer, Sainsburys, Mirage, John Lewis, and the list goes on. And to top it up, Marks and Spencer gives 10% of its profits to Israel, and thts a fact. Im not sure exactly where u live but here in Europe, UK specially everyone knows how much funding Israel gets from these retail giants. And plus, about the arab ‘theory’ go out and talk to an arab himself. Il be mad to assume that hel discuss the issue of Kashmir or least about Pakistan. Give it a shot. No offence bruv.
    Pakistan Zindabad, Pak Kaum Paaindabad!

  28. Hamza: I am pretty sure you are wrong about all those retail giants. A few owners of companies are supporters of Israel and that’s their right. But it isn’t as pervasive as you make it out to be.

  29. Fine bruv u win happy? just said wht ive seen and heard but u mite know more.
    Pakistan Zindabad, Pak Kaum Paaindabad!

  30. but before i quit this bloq lemme ask u a ques. Who was henry kissinger and wht was his connection with coca cola and suez canal?
    Pakistan Zindabad, Pak Kaum Paaindabad!

  31. Hamza: Kissinger was a well-known American. He was Secretary of State in the Nixon administration. He is considered by some to be an evil person because of his realist foreign policy which gave US support or turned blind eye to human rights abuses in a few countries.

    What are you insinuating?

  32. Most of these companies my Pakistani brother had posted are pro-jewish/israeli companies. that is what i have heard growing up in Pakistan(now i have moved to USA). the biggest reason why no one there drinks coca cola is beacause of that. my dad told me that, and he is a well educated person. whereas coke is sold more in usa as compared to pepsi which is a big hit in pak.
    recognizing israel is a very emotional issue. it is going to take time, and for the first time debate had started in pak about recognizing it. i think we should accept israel, my whole family does as it is in the best intrest of pak. Plus if we accept Israel, we will have more straonger relations with the USA. Pak is not seen as a big islamic country but also as a big regional power. the most signinificant geographic location, dream for trade, borders iran, india, china and afghanistan. it connects different regions.

  33. Hassan: First, there is a big difference between pro-Jewish and pro-Israeli. Plus it seems to me that you guys are listening to some conspiracy theory yarns in Pakistan.

    When I lived in Pakistan, lots of people drank Coke. Others drank Pepsi. I am not sure of their exact market shares, but I think Coke had a decent share of the market.

  34. You lived in Pak, are you Pakistani. Your name doesnt suggest that. I have a friend named Zack and he is Jewish. (Sorry if I am judging people on basis of name)
    Well what I meant was that, if a person have hard views against Israel then that person is considered to be Anti-Semetic. This is my experience brother, and you didnt commented on my last paragraph zack.

  35. Hassan: Yes, I am a Pakistani. Here is my About me page.

    Regarding my name, you probably have heard of Zachariah, Zakaria, Zachary and other variations of that name. It comes from the Bible and the Quran where it is the name of a Jewish Prophet. “Zack” is generally the short version of that name. My friends have always called me that.

    Regarding recognition of Israel, I have argued for quite some time that Pakistan should do so. It seems to be an emotional issue with a lot of Pakistanis.

    I do think relations with Israel will help Pakistan. But I am not sure they would have any major effects on the US-Pakistan relationship.

  36. A statement issued by David Ben Gurion, the first
    Israeli Prime Minister. His words, as printed in the Jewish
    Chronicle, 9 August 1967, leave nothing to imagination:

    “The world Zionist movement should not be neglectful of the dangers
    of Pakistan to it. And Pakistan now should be its first target, for
    this ideological State is a threat to our existence. And Pakistan,
    the whole of it, hates the Jews and loves the Arabs.

    “This lover of the Arabs is more dangerous to us than the Arabs
    themselves. For that matter, it is most essential for the world
    Zionism that it should now take immediate steps against Pakistan.

    “Whereas the inhabitants of the Indian peninsula are Hindus whose
    hearts have been full of hatred towards Muslims, therefore, India is
    the most important base for us to work there from against Pakistan.

    “It is essential that we exploit this base and strike and crush
    Pakistanis, enemies of Jews and Zionism, by all disguised and secret
    plans.”

  37. http://www.ussliberty.org/
    Welcome to the USS Liberty Memorial Web Site

    This web site is dedicated to the memory of thirty-four fine young men who gave their lives on June 8, 1967, defending the USS Liberty against a sustained air and sea attack by the armed forces of the State of Israel
    During the Six Day War between Israel and the Arab States, the American intelligence ship USS Liberty was attacked for 75 minutes in international waters by Israeli aircraft and motor torpedo boats. Thirty-four men died and 172 were wounded.

    The attack has been a matter of controversy ever since. Survivors and many key government officials including Secretary of State Dean Rusk and former JCS Chairman Admiral Thomas Moorer say it was no accident. Israel and its supporters insist it was a “tragic case of misidentification” and charge that the survivors are either lying or too emotionally involved to see the truth.

    Israel claims they mistook our ship for the out-of-service Egyptian horse carrier El Quseir and that we brought the attack upon ourselves by operating in a war zone without displaying a flag. Not so. We were in international waters, far from any fighting, and flew a bright, clean, new American flag. The flag we flew is on display at the National Cryptologic Museum, Fort Meade, Maryland and can be seen there, or in the USS Liberty Images Archive.

    Our commanding officer, Captain William Loren McGonagle, received the Congressional Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty during the attack. The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award our country can bestow. To avoid embarrassing our attackers, Captain McGonagle’s Medal of Honor was presented in a quiet ceremony in the Washington Navy Yard instead of in the White House by the President as is customary.

    The USS Liberty Web Page presents part of the story along with some historical information and links to other sources.

  38. Mansoor: That’s an extremely biased site. For a history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, I recommend Righteous Victims by Benny Morris.

    mmg: Apart from some anti-Israel articles by Pakistanis, I can’t find this statement at all.

    NewGuy: I know about the attack on USS Liberty. But I have no idea what that has got to do with relations between Pakistan and Israel.

  39. Dear,
    Afetr regards,first of all i want to some introduction of my self, i am muslim belong to pakistan,with age of 25, having graduatio in arts.sir,my aim to connecting you is that i am very inspired of jewish religion.During my education i was a student of history,although our Govt officially not accepting ISRAEL that is why in standard books they do not include detail and honest information about you religion but innternly i have great interest in jewish.That is why i read newspaper and listen broadcasting carefully regarding to jewish,but till now i cqn not fullfill my mentaly-knowldge interst.SIR,i like your strong belief to GREATER ISRAEL,dedication to your purpose,honest to your struggle to make as safe as your country,your constanttrust on your religion,your continious preaching,and like many these ideas are in mind which i have no words to explain.I want some truly knowldge about jewis and want to do some work for its preaching ans serve a little bit contribution ,sir i strongly in faver of your selfdefence and i also stress on many occasion to my GOVT to accept your country,but there are too many hardliner is there,but i want to serve your reliogion kindly tell me in what way,please i want to serve your cause for graeter israel,kindly give me a little service for me,i hope undermining my interest you will soon reply me,my totally releating information are here,
    NAME SHAHID JAVED KHAN
    FATHER NAME, MOHAMMED AFZAL KHAN
    DATE OF BIRTH, 17-12-1977

    ADDRESS, MOHALLAH MOQAREB KHEL,
    ISA KHEL,POSTAL CODE 42430
    MIANWALI,PAKISTAN
    CONTACT #, 009245203-85496
    E-MAIL ADDRESS, SJKKHAN@HOTMAIL.COM
    QUALIFICATION, GRADUATION
    EXTRA QUALIFICATION, DIPLOMA IN COMPUTE

    Your,s obediently,
    shahid

  40. shahid: I am not Jewish. I don’t believe in Greater Israel. And Jews do not preach or proselytize their religion.

  41. i think that no body should recognise israel, as the jews themselves know that israel is wrong, it is only the zionist jews who believe in israel. there are many jews around the world who are against israel and oppose it. they believe that they can not have a state till there messiah comes. so even by judaism israel should not be recognised, so why should the rest of the world recognise it when jews themselves can not recognise it as a jewish state.

  42. Hi

    I agree with you zack. I believe that useless jew bashing will not take us anywhere. We should be thinking with open hearts as killing of innocent at both sides will not work. At the same time if western world do something about palestine at least muslims will have no ground to keep up their fights againt them which is good. Recoginition of Isreal will be a step towards peace. Just imagine how our subcontinent would have been if india and pakistan would not have accepted each other. There are still differences but not as much as we see in the case of palestine and isreal. In addition to this, as far as businesses of isreali compaines is concerned in pakistan. I believe Pakistan should be accepting, supporting and encourging any foriegn business in Pakistan which will help our country to progress. We do need to think with open mind and hearts like true muslims. Unlike, the muslims MMA or JMA … whatever wants us to be.

    Regards,
    Asif

  43. When will we all learn to live side by side without killing each other?
    I am in favour of recognizing isreal, but isreal has to respect the rights of the palestians. We are the people of the book and so together (Christians, muslims, jews), we must live.

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