Cosmic Struggle
A few weeks ago I posted commentary on Professor Alan Dershowitz’s optimistic view of the recent peace process in Palestine. One doubt I expressed was about those who would adopt the Palestine question as a symbol of a cosmic struggle between good and evil. Sadly, the recent speech by the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has reinforced my fear. Several news agencies have reported on his words. Al-Jazeera gives many details, as well as Islamic Republic News Agency-the official state news organ. Some of the most disturbing comments include:
The skirmishes in the occupied land are part of a war of destiny. The outcome of hundreds of years of war will be defined in Palestinian land.
This is a direct reference to the cosmic struggle I referred to.
As the Imam said, Israel must be wiped off the map.
And
There is no doubt that the new wave (of attacks) in Palestine will soon wipe off this disgraceful blot (Israel) from the face of the Islamic world.
The Imam referred to is Ayatollah Khomeini.
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, the President stated that a world without the US and Israel would be possible.
If anyone has any doubt about why we are pressing Iran so hard on the issue of nuclear weapons, this should provide ample answer. This is not the talk of a leader who is interested in diplomacy or negotiation. As stated in the articles summing up his speech, he has declared that any Islamic state that recognizes Israel as a state or participates in the peace process will incur Iran’s wrath. This president has declared Israel and the United States as historic enemies, and he has threatened any nation who makes peace with them. Any questions?