India, Israel to further strengthen military ties

[Guns Aximbo]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1204771,00050003.htm

India and Israel have agreed to fulfil a number of bilateral equipment deals and conduct a joint air manoeuvres later this year as a mark of their burgeoning defence ties, a leading defence weekly has claimed.

The third joint working group at its meeting in Tel Aviv last December discussed New Delhi purchasing Israel Aircraft Industries Heron II medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles and jointly extending the range of the Barak point defence system for the Indian Navy, the Jane's Defence Weekly, in its latest issue, said.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

1. That'll go over really well with India's Muslim minority. (nt)

[daleo]

2. Israel's Hindu minority might like it, though. n/t

[yinkaafrica]

3. that's a sad thought

I hope India knows better than to trust Sharon.

[Wisc Badger]

4. Don't think that Pakistan

will like this either.:shrug:

[mitchtv]

5. I wonder how this fits in with India's mutual defense

agreements with Iran?

[bloodyjack]

6. Not such a surprise

Both countries, though India to a lesser degree, are threatened by Muslim nationalism, and besides, they what

[Colorado Blue]

7. Non-stop Israel bashing

isn't fair and certainly doesn't display either a knowledge of the region, of history or of our cherished Democratic principles.

Much as one may disagree with Sharon's policies - and I do as well - the Israeli people have been dealing non-stop with terror for decades. Categorizing all Israelis as lockstep followers of Sharon is both bigoted and mistaken. Moreover, Sharon himself has, by his own admission, begun to see the tragic errors of his ways and has, over the strident objections of many Israelis, begun the process of withdrawing from Gaza. Unfortunately every time a gesture toward peace is made more bloody attacks occur, with the inevitable result that further military action and loss of life is triggered.

Beyond that, it's vital that balance be established WITHIN the West Asian region. The overwhelming numbers and money within the Muslim world, given their population and their oil reserves, combined with a generally low degree of education and a high degree of hatred - fueled by the outrageous sort of propoganda illustrated by the link in the post above - create a threat to global stability in and of themselves. And America's war in Iraq is adding fuel to the fire. Believe me, I don't think the welfare of Israel had anything to do with that war. For Israel to be blamed for it is unjust.

Beyond that, Israel and India are nations who deserve a chance to survive and if they link up together I can't see how it can be bad - for anyone. These are each highly developed cultures, democracies, with ancient histories. Why shouldn't they trade with one another and establish defense pacts? Or would you prefer that Israel remain isolated?

I apologize if I've violated some sort of DU board rules by stating my position here. But I have noticed a truly disturbing trend on this board, almost knee-jerk anti-Israel. A study of history will reveal a more nuanced approach is required to really understand the complexities of this situation. And perhaps, with understanding, solutions can be attained that will benefit all who inhabit the region - Muslim, Christian, Jew, Hindu - we're all HUMANS and all have a history and a point of view.

Thank you.

[Magmadona]

8. Cute.

While openly refusing to accept ethnic Jews as being true to their faith. Sorry but I'm not going to support Israel in this magical defence when its creation wasn't even correct in the first place and we openly supplied them with warheads.

[Colorado Blue]

10. Clarification?

Sorry, but I don't understand your post, especially about "ethnic Jews" and their faith. Could you be more specific? I'll try to reply.

And regardless of your personal opinions, Israel was created by the UN for pressing reasons both historical and humanitarian. Or perhaps you believe that Jewry should remain forever in diaspora? That would perhaps be acceptable except for periodic events such as the Holocaust, which finally convinced the remnants of the Jewish people to try and establish a state where they could live openly and defend themselves, and convinced the UN as well, that such a state was needed. Living in a Pale of Settlement, marginalized, outcast - for centuries, without defense - have you a better idea? It is tragic that the Palestinian people weren't empowered at the same time but were remaindered to the state of Jordan. It is more tragic that the surrounding Arab states turned their backs on these people for decades. War followed terrible war, and now terrorism and the endless intifada. It is time to heal this terrible wound. But it will require the good will of all people, not least in the US, to accomplish that.

Nothing on this planet is ever perfect or 100% just. You, for example, are currently residing on Native American soil, yes? It was won with blood and the decimation of the original inhabitants, who remain only in small numbers although much of their tribal heritage remains proudly and beautifully alive. But, many if not most Native Americans are living in poverty, discriminated against vigorously and victimized by disease. Indeed, the proud US of A has an actual 3rd world nation struggling to survive within its borders. Yet, I hear little from Progressive Dems on this score. Moreover, while we are presently engaged in comparing the Bush Administration to Nazi Germany, we are demonizing the prime victims of that terrible time. It disturbs me.

Finally, in regard to the comment that India's Muslim minority might not be happy about the Israeli connection: Islam, like everybody else on this planet, will learn to accept other people - with time, good will and good education. Rage, fear, ignorance - these are our true enemies - not other people.

Thank you and peace!

[Magmadona]

13. Actually.

Ethnic Jews are those Jews who have a bit of color Blue and seeing as its been proven on a many occasions that they have even kept Ethiopian children from either attending their schools or their parents holding jobs they're is in fact some malice on Israel’s part. Not to mention their lovable view of Blacks as a whole me being one who visited, I was welcomed with a search and seizer along with a glare from Airport to Hotel and so on. Really until you've visited and seen it yourself I don't really think your opinion matters or hold enough weight to sway my own feelings toward that puppet state.

[clh]

9. Good post......

....couldn't have said it much better, Colorado Blue. :toast:

[Colorado Blue]

11. Thanks! Peace to all - we'll have to be brave and strong for

the next four years:)

[Tweed]

15. Hey Colorado Blue, I saw in your profile you are in Chicago

Welcome to DU! Let me invite you to check out the DU Illinois forum: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=150

It's really great that they have forums for invididual states. We can focus on Chicago and statewide issues and get to know each other better because we don't have the mass chaos of the other boards. I hope you check us out and be sure to check in one of the roll call threads.

[Spider Jerusalem]

12. Anyone who thinks human activity caused the quake/tsunami...

either needs to lay down the crack pipe or get some Thorazine.

[Bono71]

16. Post of the day. n/t

[bloodyjack]

18. Yes, but it's fun to read about, isn't it

[hector459]

14. I think this is the most dangerous alliance that nobody is paying

attention to. India is supposed to be a democracy but it is one of the most repressive nations on earth and treats a sizeable segment of its population with horrible discrimination. I guess democracies are allowed to be racist. The only thing you have to do to be a democracy is to have an election...no matter how flawed.

[Last Lemming]

17. Hey, Israel will

need a new best buddy after we go down the tubes. China may be another (obvious) source of companionship