Quoting AyostoLeon (Reply 18): So if international sentiment is not measured in terms of governmental responses, if not in terms of trade and investments and not in terms of increasing numbers of visitors, how exactly is international sentiment measured? |
You are right, these are things that measure "sentiment". but I am not sure where you think I don't think sentiment is Not measured by Gov responses, cause it is, just depends how they respond or, as the case may be, don't respond !
But its somewhat more complicated than just what you mention, Governments make "statements and comments" intentionally, about certain events, especially in regards to the advancement of the Israel/Palestine peace negotiations, or, should I say, lack of advancement. It may not have anything to do with "trade or investments or visitor numbers" necessarily.
I have found over the last while, previous staunch allies of Israel strangely silent, when normally they would have had something to say in regards to Israels defence, regardless of Israels position, on whatever it was the occurred. There just seems to be a more focused approached towards Palestine and what they want to achieve through the UN etc..
Absolutely I do, and it is very disappointing to see Australia, apparently reverse its previous stance in the UN...?
I believe the Government (Australia) has also been silent on this "new" policy or direction, and Julie Bishop has been far from clear yet on this matter, one way or the other.... don't know why, but it is frustrating when the games are played.
Quoting AyostoLeon (Reply 18): Australians voted for Abbott and his party so, by your own argument, sentiment in Australia is not shifting away from support for Israel. |
Australians, when they voted for a Liberal/National coalition at the last election, were not told about this apparent "U" turn in Government policy unfortuantaly. I wonder if they were, whether the landslide in numbers would have been as good for then as it was ???
Quoting AyostoLeon (Reply 18): The former Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr was a vocal opponent of settlements because he believed they were an obstacle to a future Palestinian State and a lasting peace agreement. |
And he didn't only mention that....
He was also VERY vocal in his opinion of the Jewish Lobby, and the access and influence they had over senior Cabinet Ministers, including the Prime Minister.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentis...the-influence-of-the-zionist-lobby
“At first, they'll only dislike what you say, but the more correct you start sounding the more they'll dislike you.”