Hossfly,
et al,
The Europeans are afraid, and they have a lot to loose. They have a very healthy standard of living and they want to keep it. They don't want to encourage terrorism in Europe that might upset that standard they have come to enjoy; and least of all, risk for that standard of living for the sake of the general Jewish Nationalism agenda.
Being much closure, in the immediate proximity to the Middle East and Persian Gulf, they have more than a few serious concerns:
- They realize they have a significant content, within their general population, of Muslim that are sympathetic to both the Islamic cause and the Palestinians in conflict. The last thing they want is to stir the pot and create an adverse atmosphere that would culture confrontational discourse. For the most part, anything that might be sensitive to the Islamic culture in an adverse way, is politely ignored; as to not trigger consequences they would rather not face. The protection and preservation of the Jewish National Home is of little concern in comparison to their personal confront zone.
- Second, the EU view is that the Middle East is in turmoil; causing gas and oil prices to dramatically increase. The EU imports millions of barrels of oil a day. In recent times, Europe is the largest energy importer of gas and oil; importing 52.7% of its total energy consumption. Approximately 84.3% of its oil and 62.4% of its natural gas needs were imported. Its dependence is so great that must adopt a quiet policy that is insensitivity to IsraelÂ’s security needs. It cannot afford to be viewed as supportive of Israeli sovereignty. They are very afraid. There are 4 million Muslims in Germany alone and nearly 3 million in the UK. If only one in one hundred-thousand of the Muslims in Germany were incited to violence, that would be an enormous terrorist threat. Yes, the EU governments are afraid. Imagine what it would be like to have 30-to-40 active terrorists running loose in Europe; operating in cells of 3-to-5 persons each (est. 6-to-8 conservatively).
T'm sitting here in Germany, watching the news channels and every time they bring up Gaza, they show big Hellfire explosions in the far distance (terrorists houses being hit), then it's always a herd of men running through the streets with bloody babies. Never a dead or wounded fighter. All you veterans remember first aid training in basic training and know the worst thing is to even move a wounded person, let alone dragging them through the streets like a sack of dog food. The European news sites are pretty much siding with the Palestinians. I wonder why when most of those countries are infested with Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims taking over, rioting, raping, murdering and generally stinking up the place- .
(COMMENT)
I don't exactly remember where I read it, but I remember President Mahmoud Abbas using the word "intransigence,"
(unreasonably refusing even to consider changing a decision or attitude) in his description of the Israeli position relative to the most recent Peace Talks
(which appear to have collapsed). I thought it an unusual view. But as the development have unfolded over the last three months, it has become obvious that President Abbas has been put over a barrel and has capitulated to HAMAS and is becoming openly supportive of the HAMAS position.
In view of the fears the UE has, relative to the threats they face, I thought is was singularly unusual for the EU to have discussed the current Middle East Crisis with any manner of realism. But, to my surprise, THEY DID!
The EU strongly
condemns the indiscriminate firing of rockets into Israel by Hamas and militant groups in the Gaza Strip, directly harming civilians. These are criminal and unjustifiable acts. The EU calls on Hamas to immediately put an end to these acts and to renounce violence.
All terrorist groups in Gaza must disarm. The EU strongly
condemns calls on the civilian population of Gaza to provide themselves as human shields.
SOURCE: 12091/14 (OR. en) PROVISIONAL VERSION PRESSE 421 PR CO 41
Remembering that the EU only officially recognizes a few organizations like Hamas-Izz al-Din al-Qassem (terrorist wing of Hamas) and the PIJ (Palestinian Islamic Jihad) as
terrorist groups on the List.
It will probably take the media a while to catch-up. But it is immediately obvious that the EU recognizes a couple significant ground truths
(and I cannot hardly believe they said it out loud - still my heart).
- The HAMAS Rocket fire is criminal and unjustified.
- Gaza is harboring terrorist groups.
- The civilians are voluntarily prviding themselves as human shields.
I'm not entirely sure that the anti-Israeli elements have totally grasped the content. I was, to be quite frank, shocked at the EU Council in making such a bold statement. It was very much more than I thought they would ever openly announce.
(My hat is off to them for their bravery.) The media will be very cautious in how they approach this.
Most Respectfully,
R