The ongoing war between Israelis and Palestinians has become a backdrop to more recent conflicts, which in many ways have had much more of a religious component than the Israeli / Palestinian conflict.
That may be changing, according to this news article from the BBC:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/8232340.stm
Why does this matter? In the past, the struggle between the two was not based on religion but upon land and autonomy and power. Although Palestinians are primarily Muslim and Israelis are primarily Jewish, it was not (mostly) a religious struggle.
IF that changes, what will it mean for the peace process? What will it mean for US involvement? It was not so difficult to support a secular Israeli drive for security as a nation. Can we now support Israel if they declare that they are fighting a war of Good and Evil, with the Muslims cast as 'evil'?
I find this bit of news extremely interesting. Interested in all comments.
That may be changing, according to this news article from the BBC:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/8232340.stm
The rise of Israel's military rabbis
Israel's army is changing. Once proudly secular, its combat units are now filling with those who believe Israel's wars are "God's wars".
Military rabbis are becoming more powerful. Trained in warfare as well as religion, new army regulations mean they are now part of a military elite.
They graduate from officer's school and operate closely with military commanders. One of their main duties is to boost soldiers' morale and drive, even on the front line.
Why does this matter? In the past, the struggle between the two was not based on religion but upon land and autonomy and power. Although Palestinians are primarily Muslim and Israelis are primarily Jewish, it was not (mostly) a religious struggle.
IF that changes, what will it mean for the peace process? What will it mean for US involvement? It was not so difficult to support a secular Israeli drive for security as a nation. Can we now support Israel if they declare that they are fighting a war of Good and Evil, with the Muslims cast as 'evil'?
I find this bit of news extremely interesting. Interested in all comments.