This is great. The Iraqis would be wise to treat the Jewish population well. They will have a significant impact on Iraq's ability to purchase items for reconstruction at wholesale prices.

I can get away with that, being a member of the Vast Zionist Conspiracy.

Chances of seeing this on CNN: 0.

I think these people are going to make it.

Great story. Reminds me somehow of the funny story about the last two Jews in Kabul. They lived in the same building, but had had some kind of argument and refused to talk to each other.

I read someplace that Baghdad was once a quarter Jewish.

I've heard about that story too, Steve. They were fighting over the last synagogue in Afghanistan, in Kabul, which now sits in disrepair.

They were also fighting over the (usually centuries-old) Torah scroll.

Which someone lost.

Meanwhile, a thought: Why don't the Iraqis ask Israel for help? Construction, agriculture, education...I could see a lot of ways they could be helpful.

And, frankly, I suspect Israel would be happy just to have a real friend in the region.

Hey penta,
how would the anti's spin that?

I thought the Iraqis hated Israel?

The Anti-war folks would spin this by saying it was part of Wolfowitz's Zionist conspiracy to expand Israel to the Tigris.

Not all anti-war folks are simple pacifists opposed to violence. A large number are communists, leftists, terrorist sympathizers, and outright anti-semetic. In the US, they're mostly democrats (now with a lower case "d") who simply hate Bush and would rather see the US fail at everything it does rather than give Bush credit for doing something right.

Chalabi doesn't hate Israel. In fact he has stated his intention to press the new government not just for peace with Israel but an alliance. This might be possible as Saddam spent a lot of time running Israel down. I would suspect that anything Saddam pushed will tend to be in disrepute.

Phil Hornsey : Yes, Me too.

Iraq's population was, up until quite recently, 20% Jewish. That changed after 1948.

I agree with Phil Hornsey this is a good sign. If these people are willing to act on their own behalf for their common welfare, then perhaps democracy can indeed lay down roots into Iraqi soil.

In fact, it's better they do this themselves, instead of always calling 911 (us) for every emergency. Having the Iraqis rebuild their own country will accrue enormous respect (including self-respect) in the Arab world.

"I think these people are going to make it."
I was scrolling down to leave those exact words.

Many of my neighbors are Iraqi. I believe they can lead the Arab world into the 21st century.

I think Chalabi's a good guy, but he should shelve his Israel idea, at least for now. The Iraqis might have been glad to see us, but that doesn't mean they have any more fondness for Israel than their neighbors. There's no better way for Chalabi to discredit himself and become labeled as an American stooge than to immediately seek rapproachment with "the Zionist entity".

Given the establishment of some type of representative, liberal, pro-western government in the country, and a resolution of the Palestinian conflict, I think the Iraqi people will eventually come to tolerate the concept of diplomatic ties with Jerusalem. But we shouldn't push the idea at this point. For now, the elimination of one of the largest financial supporters of Palestinian terrorism should be enough of a gain for Israel.

The Iraqi National Congress, Chalabi's group, knows who their friends are. They've already announced that they have little use for Palestinians, who have supported Saddam, in a reconstructed Iraq and plan on having normal relations with Israel.

Iraq did have a significant Jewish community prior to 1948 but I don't think it was as large as some posters have said. A quick search on the net shows a 1948 Jewish population in Iraq at 150,000 - 200,000. Today there are 100-150 Jews in Iraq.

In 1969, when Saddam Hussein had essentially taken power but Hassan al-Bakr was still nominally President, Hussein had 9 Iraqi Jews hung in Liberation Square in Baghdad. The Jews were falsely accused of spying for Israel. At the time, the public hangings got a lot of notice in the Jewish media. Only recently, after seeing a couple of documentaries about Hussein's rise to power and speaking to adult Iraqis, I've discovered that this public hanging of Jews was also intended to terrorize all Iraqis.

These are the people that will ultimately save Iraq. Great story. Wish it would get air play in the Arab world, but it won't.

The Iraqi Jews left after pogroms in which one of Iraq's highest-profile Jews, who had ties to the leadership, was hanged as a spy. He wasn't the first, nor the last.

Some years later, Iraq tried to brighten its reputation by putting ads in papers like the New York Times asking Iraqi Jews to come back. In response, Iraqi Jews bought ad space with pictures of Jews hanging on the gallows, and text that essentially said, "Yeah, right."

There is a huge Iraqi Jewish population in Israel. I don't see them returning any time soon.

However, Bob, the issue isn't how Iraq could screw itself by being too nice to Israel. The issue is that a nation shouldn't HAVE to "eventually tolerate diplomatic ties to Israel."

Then again, the overwhelming anti-Semitism of the Arab world won't disappear in a day.

I can't remember where, but I read that Israel had been helping to arm the Kurds against Saddam so maybe there is a good chance of a positive relationship there.

This is the text of an address given by President Bush on July 4, 2003 - My fellow Americans, As you all know, the defeat of Iraq's regime has been completed. The discovery and destruction of all weapons of mass destruction have been covered thoroughly in the press. A new Iraqi government has been established and appears to be stable.
Our mission in Iraq is complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, and Poland are listed there.

The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that foreign aid to the nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the Iraqi war. The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France. In the out years, together with Congress, I will work to re-direct this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home.

I am ordering the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and all other Middle Eastern nations. Leave us alone. Solve your own damn problems. Need help? Call Germany. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your relatives from the face of the earth. Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China.

Regarding the nation of Israel, I have this to say. It seems like everybody has forgotten what happened to European Jewry during the 1930s and World War II. Our nation will never permit the destruction of Israel. No way, Jose. Nevertheless, to Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Yo, boys. Yank yer heads outta rectal defilade and work out a peace deal. Just note that Camp David is closed. Maybe all of you can go to Russia for negotiations. They have some great palaces there. Big tables, too.

I'm ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't give a damn about whatever treaty pertains to this. Pay your tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers, and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York.

A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are going to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change. Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I'm gonna put 'em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil. Oh, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty---starting now.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of xenophobia. My response is simple and direct: if you can play that word in Scrabble, do it as soon as your turn comes round. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them be saying darn tootin'. Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup soccer from America.

We will develop energy independence. We will restructure our nation for its isolationist destiny. I will be sending legislation to Congress tomorrow proposing the first actions that that august body should take as we move in a new direction.

Finally, I have decided not to run for a second term of office. The First Lady and I will retire to our Texas ranch and have some fun. Laura and I have been talking about takin' one of those cruises up to Alaska. Personally, I could care less who gets elected in 2004. Throw a little fascism into the mix and elect Senator Clinton. She can appoint the editorial board of the New York Times to her Cabinet.

To the nations on List 2, a final thought. Drop dead.

To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you.

God bless America.

Thank you and good night.

This is the second piece of great news today. The fact that the POWs weren't hurt -- I'd bet a $1 that "protected from the thugs" is closer to the truth -- shows that there are law abiding Iraqis. The fact that the Iraqis get the AK-47s to protect the Jews who have "always lived there" shows that law and tradition bind.

Law first then we can talk democracy.

Aby, where ya been all these years? Hee whak! Great stuff

Concerning what Diane said, the Kurds actually are said to have an unusual fondness for Israel, given their own status as a persecuted people searching for a homeland. A kind of sentimental tie. Which is ironic, considering that Israel's main Muslim ally is Turkey.

Aby... I think that you've got too much time on your hands. There are two kinds of power in the world. 1) the power to impose your will on others [negative power] 2) the power to influence other [positive power]. The US has clearly demonstrated it's might and power. In this instance the power was a battle of "Good" over "Evil". I understand that many passivists will argue against this but I can't help but see how wonderful the future of Iraq may some day be now that Saddams evil regime has been thumped by the US.

Now comes "act two"... the US can safely become a great influence over the world order by use of it's positive power of influence. Be the Gentle Giant and the world will respect you. Becoming a powerful tyrant over the world order will only cause nations to become defensive and fearful.

Good job in Iraq.

"However, Bob, the issue isn't how Iraq could screw itself by being too nice to Israel. The issue is that a nation shouldn't HAVE to "eventually tolerate diplomatic ties to Israel."

Then again, the overwhelming anti-Semitism of the Arab world won't disappear in a day."

The overwhelming antisemitism of the Arab world is appalling, but I can only see one way it will ever go away: a Palestinian state. The Arab media revels in showing grisly footage from the West Bank and Gaza. Take away the grisly events in the occupied territories and the Arabs will stop feeling so humiliated.

I know that Israel hasn't had a reasonable partner for a peace deal on the other side. But Sharon isn't a peacenik either. He's soaked in blood. It's encouraging, though, that he's talking about being willing to make "painful sacrifices" for a peace deal.

I want Israel to be secure, but I don't give a fig for the settlers.

I really hope the Iraq war will provide a new leaping off point for peace for Israel and Palestine. If Bush can do that, he'll go down in history as a great man. Hard to imagine that, but it's true.

steve,

a Palestinian state may or may not reduce the anti-Semitism in the region. It is the character of such a state that is critical in the eventual outcome. An Al-Jazeera pseudo state that continues to commit suicide attacks will only worsen the current situation, since it will have the resources and alliances of a true state. A real democratic Palestine that abjures the destruction of Israel, and embraces commerce and law would be a vast improvement.

Unfortunately, I believe any eventual Palestinian state would be closer to the first in form than the second.

I'm afraid you might be right about the character of a Palestinian state. On the other hand, the bombings will continue forever without a Palestinian state.

This seems to me to be the hard part: Israel has to trade land for peace. But after Israel has given up the land, how can it be sure it will get the peace? I suppose it could always take the land back.

It really is a Chinese knot.

What makes you think the suicide bombings will stop if there's a Palestinian state? If anything, I would expect them to be stepped up.

Remember, "the occupation" doesn't refer only to "the West Bank and Gaza"; Israel itself is occupied territory as far as the Arabs are concerned. Having acquired a portion of Mandate Palestine, there is no special reason the Arabs should stop there instead of trying to make it complete.

Instituting a Palestinian state now will produce more of the same-old same-old we've seen since Oslo. It won't change anything fundamental.

I'm not sure about that, and I don't think anyone can really know. The suicide attacks are a recent phenomenon. It seems to me you have to be pretty desperate to want to kill yourself to blow up some Israeli civilians. If the Palestinians had security and a chance to live without occupying troops smashing your shit up all the time, they wouldn't be so desperate.

I don't know, "Bob", about your assumption most of the Iraquis will fear the Israelis. The way the Baghdad neighborhoods are rising up against the "foreigners" in their midst - including Palestinians - may mean they are more perceptive on this issue than the conventional wisdom allows.

"Aby" your rant was fun - but! You went too far when you threw out World Cup Soccer. When you look at the 'gut' on most of the other professional US 'athletes', and then compare them against futbol players, you can sure tell which ones are truly athletic.

"Aby" - you got room for a lodger, 'cos if G.W.B. gives that speech I'm beating a path to Grosvenor Sq. to apply for asylum! :-)

The clincher though will be the "Soccer" clause.... sorry "49erDweet" but the ones over here (UK) are over paid prima-donnas.

After this is all done ole Tony Blair's gonna crawl & fawn around the French & Germans which will result in or assimilation into Europe - don't suppose 3ID would like a new home base?? ;-)