The After-Election Exhale
Ahh- the Israeli elections are finally over. It’s as if the entire nation has been holding its breath up until now, and the country can now enjoy the satisfaction of exhaling. The elections, from my point of view, meant a whole lot this time around. This vote brought to a head the public’s opinion on Israel’s withdrawal from the West Bank. Each party clearly laid out its position on the withdrawal before the elections, and it appears the new governing coalition (which will likely include Kadima, the centrist party founded by Ariel Sharon, Shas, the religious Sephardic party, Labor, the Socialist-leaning party of David Ben-Gurion and Golda Meir, and the Pensioners, a party of old folks) will be able to continue evacuating the West Bank. This means that, as Kadima head and likely future Prime Minister Ehud Olmert plans, Israel should have its permanent borders by 2010. For a nation that has been defined by conflict, changing borders, and difficult questions of citizenship and identity, the impact of this election will be huge.
Thankfully, there were no successful bombings before the elections. Israeli intelligence is incredible, and it has an amazing ability to capture (or incapacitate, as it were) the most dangerous terrorists.
It’s been an incredible opportunity for me to witness the political process here and not have to take any side in the debate. Back in the States, I’m constantly drawn into discussions and debates and labeled as a conservative Republican -- an identity I tolerate for the sake of ease. While I enjoy political debate at home, I’ve often experienced far too much of it and have become sick and tired of the often-messy and rarely reconciliatory political process (particularly after the 2004 election). Here, though, I can read about the elections with nearly-complete impartiality. I reckon myself a true student of the world, watching Israeli political squabbles (which are often over very important issues) from my high perch as an American study-abroad student. I can see the protests and political rallies without feeling any animosity towards the participants, even if they’re from far-left parties. I am able to walk the streets, read the newspaper editorials, and observe the entire political process without my pulse rising above its normal rate. Despite the tension around me (which seemed like it could be cut with a butter-knife before yesterday), I am completely at ease as an outside observer. I will, after all, be leaving Israel in just 2 1/2 months. The ramifications of this election, while having a huge impact on millions of Israelis and Palestinians, may hardly impact my life in the States.
Thankfully, there were no successful bombings before the elections. Israeli intelligence is incredible, and it has an amazing ability to capture (or incapacitate, as it were) the most dangerous terrorists.
It’s been an incredible opportunity for me to witness the political process here and not have to take any side in the debate. Back in the States, I’m constantly drawn into discussions and debates and labeled as a conservative Republican -- an identity I tolerate for the sake of ease. While I enjoy political debate at home, I’ve often experienced far too much of it and have become sick and tired of the often-messy and rarely reconciliatory political process (particularly after the 2004 election). Here, though, I can read about the elections with nearly-complete impartiality. I reckon myself a true student of the world, watching Israeli political squabbles (which are often over very important issues) from my high perch as an American study-abroad student. I can see the protests and political rallies without feeling any animosity towards the participants, even if they’re from far-left parties. I am able to walk the streets, read the newspaper editorials, and observe the entire political process without my pulse rising above its normal rate. Despite the tension around me (which seemed like it could be cut with a butter-knife before yesterday), I am completely at ease as an outside observer. I will, after all, be leaving Israel in just 2 1/2 months. The ramifications of this election, while having a huge impact on millions of Israelis and Palestinians, may hardly impact my life in the States.
posted by Jason | 9:21 AM
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