Interesting Student Demand
Recently, on April 25, about seventy members of a new antiwar group, Connecticut Students against the war, met at Wesleyan University in Middletown CT. CTSAW is led by 23 year old Wes Strong. Like other antiwar groups, this one opposes the US presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. But what is particularly intriguing is the college students' demand that the US end its aid to Israel. This is a remarkable development. For perhaps the first time, dozens of college students have taken a position totally at odds with the most powerful pressure group in the country. Of course, it is possible that fear of being labelled anti-semitic, or a strong reaction from the pro-Israel bunch, may force CTSAW to retract the anti-US aid-to-Israel position. But for now it is significant that a popular movement, led by an able organizer, is willing to oppose US backing of Israel. That such a position is already backed by scores of our brightest young minds is encouraging to say the least.
posted by starman at 12:07 PM
2 Comments:
The group is definitely setting a precedent by taking that stance. Some people will label them "anti-Semitic", but the policy that they are advocating is one that could actually be beneficial to not only the Arabs, but also Israel. It would be to Israel's benefit to not seek military solutions to the situation between it and the Arabs. A negotiated path is the only viable way to peace. It would avert further bloodbaths. Of course, it is also necessary that Israeli moderates be given enough power in the government of Israel.
Neal Robbins
I agree we should stop aiding Israel and get out of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. But especially over the last few years, I've become more interested in a far greater potential development--building Arab and Islamic unity. There are a billion-plus Muslims in the world; if only they would unite, they could kick the US and Israel out of where they don't belong so fast---! One hopeful sign--after Israel's lopsided war on Gaza, some Arabs in different countries declared "We are all Gazans now!" Will anything come of this spirit?
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