Wed 17 Sep 2008
Time of the Iron Women
Posted by Oren Gulasa under Current Events, International
In the Middle-East, where the climate is generally hot year-round and conflicts divide nations for generations, time is a very needed resource. These nations find a way to reach out to the west, often individually, by forming trade relations. In addition, countries which establish a relation with the empires overseas often use these contacts to seek help with their internal disputes. This type of situation also reflects the Israeli connection to the US. With time running out in the Middle-East, the next president of the US will have a rough job because basically the Mid-East peace-process is in freeze mode. While leaders in the region are waiting for the US presidential election results, these leaders are developing strategies to approach the next president. Today, Israel had its own internal election at the leading (and biggest) party Kadima.
The internal party representatives were voting to select a successor to Ehud Olmert, the current prime minister, who was forced to resign. The Israeli media reported that Ms. Zipi Livni won the election, marking the second time in Israeli’s history that a woman (most likely) will become head of the state. The first woman prime minister was Golda Meir, who was elected prime minister in 1969 and was known as the “Iron Lady” of Israeli politics. Livni’s leadership style will soon be put to the test in this turbulent country, in such a way that she would be required to form a coalition and present it to the president Mr. Shimeon Peres. If this coalition isn’t strong enough, the Kadima party would fall from ruling the Knesset (the Israeli Congress) and a general election would be inevitable.
The biggest stake in this election is the future of Israel’s peace talks with the Palestinians. Livni aims to move the process along and serve as the chief negotiator in these talks. As a former Mossad (the highly credited external secret services agency) agent and department head she is known as a tough negotiator, but she certainly enjoys a lot of popularity among other political leaders internationally and the Israeli population as well. Some of her critics ask, can Israel afford to have a leader with minimal military experience? In my opinion, Yes. And the US can too.
The whole issue raises questions of how closely Israeli politics follow American politics. Candidates in this election could make history with Livni as a female politician and Mr. Shaul Mofaz, her main rival, as the first Sephardic nominee for prime-minister. Mr. Mofaz was born in Iran and thusly raised a Sephardic Jew. In many ways, Mofaz is Israel’s Obama, while Livni might as well symbolize Clinton. Other issues that are parallel between Israel and the U.S. are the rise of females politicians, the abandonment of traditional ideals (i.e. military generals being the best leaders), and the frequent use of the word “change” in politics; all ingredients affecting each nation’s policies and governance. All of these issues are common in both nations and possibly reflect a worldwide political atmosphere that is ready to start moving forward. I am sure that I will open up a long conversation on this post (Comments please!), but it is just history evolving in front of our eyes.
Image Used in this Post
Ms. Zipi Livni, Israel’s next prime minister. Adopted from www.haaretz.co.il
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September 18th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Oren, I need some clarification on Israeli government…
If President Shimeon Peres denies Livni’s party request to succeed Ehud Olmert there will be a general question. My question is why is there not a general election from the get go?
Why is the party allowed to seemingly hand pick a successor without the people being heard?
September 18th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Great post Oren.
It is interesting that the word Change is being used so often in the Israeli politics. Considering the lack of change in violence between Israel and its neighbors in the recent past, do you think using the word Change is creating any sense of inspiration among Israelis?
Does anyone actually believe Change is coming to Israel anytime soon?
September 18th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
I have some change in my pocket…
September 18th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Good post Oren. I don’t know much about Golda Meir except that I know she was instrumental in opening good foreign aid relations with the U.S. during the Yom Kippur War. She allowed Israel to be hit first by the Palestinians even when she could have been prepared. (She basically pulled an FDR). Allowing Israel to be played the victim on the global stage, the U.S. was justified in providing Israel with aid.
Meir was the Margaret Thatcher of Israel and perhaps Livni can reap the same results of opening 20 years of semi peace. Although if Israel gets attacked, there might not be enough foreign aide in the world to help them recover.
If you want to hear a good speech on change, download “Changes” by Tupac. Now that was a good song. lol
September 18th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Greg, the Kadima party is also Ehud Olmert’s party. Since he resign, authomatically the party delegates has to replace him. They could stay in charge as lons the parliement approve thier coalition (cooperation with other parties).
Change in motives and philosophy clearly reflect the public desire to see something different, in both sides. The road for peace start with the people approval of dramtic steps, i.e. willingness to give up land and help some negotiations on East Jerusalem status. Livni could lead such change and our best bet right now.
Viloance has been down to minimum level the last 3 years, which has a positive impact on tourism, jobs and general economy (under the global cirumstances, of course). Israel is small and sometime it serve a a benefit. Most of Israelies feel now much safer than any other time in the last 2 decades.