So, apparently, what goes around, comes around. How ironic is that? The nation of Israel which is blockading Gaza and imposing all manner of sanctions and restrictions on this tormented population is itself "busy contending with a movement that is calling for the imposition of a boycott and sanctions on Israel." Is that poetic justice or what?
Israel knows what the nations of the world know; it is very poor in natural resources and is highly dependent on imports of oil, coal, food, military equipment, uncut diamonds and various production inputs. Likewise, the health of Israel's economy depends greatly on exports of electronic and biomedical equipment, computer software, cut diamonds, foods and transportation equipment. Any kind of widespread, sustained world boycott and sanctions would have a devastating effect on their national stability and well-being.
South Africa resisted any and all attempts to end its embedded policy of apartheid but it finally succumbed to the massive collective power of many world nations. While this movement took more than two decades to be successful it transformed South Africa from a rogue-style nation into one that eventually became a member of good standing in the world.
I can see two potential scenarios evolving in this festering situation. In the first, Israel continues its current policies and aggressive actions against Palestine and other nations in the region and totally refuses to listen to any attempts to reverse its positions and seek peaceful solutions. Then, at some point in the not too distant future, the nations of the world will have had enough and there will be widespread boycotts, sanctions and diplomatic isolation of Israel. Let's call this the South African solution, the least destructive outcome.
In the second Israel goes off the deep end and carries out an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, all hell breaks loose in the Middle East and the world reacts, first with shock and disbelief, and then with a massive condemnation of Israel's actions. Diplomatic relations between Israel and the vast majority of nations will be severed and widespread boycotts and sanctions will follow.
South Africa defied the world and the world prevailed; it happened then, it can happen again.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
