There probably is no other nation quite as depressed as Israel.
With a sagging economy, the loss of its first astronaut, the constant threat of Palestinian terrorism, and an impending United States-led war on Iraq, the Jewish state is sickeningly used to mourning.
In its quest to eliminate the threat of Saddam Hussein, the United States must keep in mind that in the event of a war on Iraq, Israel may wind up as one of the casualties.
The Gulf War led to the distribution of gas masks to Israeli civilians, creating sealed rooms in case of a chemical attack, preparation in schools and the industrial sector and the upgrading of civilian defense units. In 1991, a total of 39 Iraqi SCUD missiles were fired on Israel in 19 volleys, landing primarily in Tel Aviv and Haifa. Luckily, only two people died from the blasts.
Once again, Israelis must prepare for an attack from the madman of Baghdad. The man who offers $25,000 to the families of Palestinian suicide bombers probably soon will face an attack from the United States. Hussein, being a deluded dictator, may fire more SCUDS into Israel in response to the deployment of U.S. forces in Iraq.
In 1991 America asked Israel to refrain from retaliation in order to hold the Saudi-based coalition together, and now Israel cannot necessarily make another such promise. As a sovereign nation, it has the right to defend itself when attacked. As a democratic bastion, it understands the proliferation of unconventional weapons poses a threat to the international community.
The two nations have a lot in common as they currently grieve the loss of a space shuttle crew. A few days ago President Bush and the Homeland Security Council raised the terrorism threat level from “elevated” to “high,” in response to the pending conflict with Iraq.
According to CNN, terrorists may target “hotels either frequented or owned by Jewish people.” In Israel, the danger of terrorism also is increased. The various terrorist organizations hiding around the Israel’s borders may use a SCUD missile attack from Iraq to execute other terrorist plans. Regardless, Israel again is preparing for the worst: old gas masks are being exchanged for newer models and civilians are learning basic response techniques in the case of a large-scale terrorism or missile attack from Iraq. Recent attacks against Israel include the use of Qassam-2 missiles, symbolizing an elevation and sophistication in terrorism not yet seen in the Jewish state.
The United States needs to analyze the situation more closely and keep in mind that Israel may not stand by idly as enemy missiles fall within its borders. The mutually beneficial relationship between Israel and the United States must remain as close as it has been since 1948, as Israel will need the United States more than ever before. The country faces some of its most difficult times ahead, and the United States must stand beside its best friend with resolve and understanding and take steps to ensure its protection.