‘Israel sent the world a message last night that it is not headed for peace and change’

by on April 1, 2009 11
Tom Friedman used to say, I know what Arafat's really thinking cause I don't read what he says in the English press, I read the Arabic! Well I know what's really happening in Israel cause I don't read the American press, I read Haaretz, which says that Netanyahu has demonstrated "a total lack of vision, courage and practical judgment" and the Israeli government is destined to fail. Somebody tell Obama.

About Philip Weiss

Philip Weiss is Founder and Co-Editor of Mondoweiss.net.
Posted in Beyondoweiss, Israel/Palestine, Israeli Government, US Policy in the Middle East, US Politics

{ 11 comments... read them below or add one }

  1. John K. says:
    April 1, 2009 at 11:34 am

    Tom Friedman wouldn't read the Arabic — he can't. He would read MEMRI updates, a highly selective grouping of quotes from the Arab press put together by former IDF intelligence. Part of greater hasbara efforts.

    For MEMRI, if you're a liberal democrat and criticize Israel, MEMRI won't highlight it. If you use anti-Semitic tropes to criticize Israel, MEMRI will highlight it. Best yet, if you write an anti-Semitic piece, but your publication is owned by allies of Israel in Lebanon or Saudi Arabia, you get a free pass. For MEMRI and co., anti-Semitism is OK as long as it's from a pro-Israel source.

  2. Rudi's spawn says:
    April 1, 2009 at 11:44 am

    Title: A future Foretold

    Name: Rudi

    City: State: England

    Israel shifts to the right as the rest of the world shifts to the left. It is being increasingly viewed as the new South Africa based on abhorant racist apartheid ideology. This new government even has a former Kach terrorist at its murky heart.

  3. Former terrorist in new Israel coalition says:
    April 1, 2009 at 11:47 am

    It's thrilling–like a hero comic book.

    Us against them (the rest of the world).

    Narrative is alles.

    Most of us Jews like it that way–especially if we live in the Diaspora, and most especially, in the safest place, the USA.

  4. ... says:
    April 1, 2009 at 11:52 am

    drama queens- almost every one of them… killing innocent people is not something to be proud of..

  5. Julian says:
    April 1, 2009 at 11:55 am

    John K.
    "Tom Friedman wouldn't read the Arabic — he can't. He would read MEMRI updates, a highly selective grouping of quotes from the Arab press put together by former IDF intelligence. Part of greater hasbara efforts."

    Typical stupidity from the anti Israel posters here.
    Friedman speaks fluent Arabic and Hebrew.

  6. 5 dancing shlomos says:
    April 1, 2009 at 12:05 pm

    english haaretz is very different from hebrew haaretz. haaretz deceives and lies also.

  7. Julian says:
    April 1, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    5 dancing shlomos:
    "english haaretz is very different from hebrew haaretz. haaretz deceives and lies also."

    I have to agree Haaretz is a rag, whatever language it's in.

  8. Gene says:
    April 1, 2009 at 1:25 pm

    Somebody tell Obama.

    … like this???

  9. John K. says:
    April 1, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    Dear Julian,

    Tom Friedman has acknowledged his own lack of Arabic faculties. When he quotes from the Arabic press, he cites MEMRI. Yes he studied Arabic and Hebrew in college, but Arabic isn't like French or Spanish. It's insanely difficult and takes about five years to have some competency, but that's only in formal Arabic, which is what's taught. It's spoken nowhere, but is needed for books, newspapers, etc. Then you have to learn a dialect.

    If I have the time to find the url where he acknowledges his elementary level, I'll post it.

    And it's fine to be at elementary level! All respect to Weathervane Tom. It's just annoying that he cites MEMRI as if it's a neutral source. That it ain't.

  10. LD says:
    April 1, 2009 at 2:04 pm

    Julian – an idiot – doesn't know anything about Thomas Friedman other than he's "pro-Israel" and hence, someone he, Julian – an idiot – should defend against us virulent antisemites.

  11. Rowan says:
    April 1, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    Julian, do stop posting all your comments twice, it really is getting ridiculous.

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