Why don't Arab and Muslim-majority states recognize Israel?

Question

Significant portion of the Muslim world does not recognize Israel as a legitimate state. Egypt and Jordan are the only Arab states, so far, which have sign peace treaties with Israel. On the other hand, Turkey was the first Muslim-majority nation to formally recognize the State of Israel (March 28, 1949). If these countries can recognize Israel, what prevents the rest of Muslim worlds to do the same? This wikipedia link cannot provide me any satisfactory answers either:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Israel

Shalom / Salaam / Peace.

Answer 1

Sorry I'm so late in answering, but I've been busy.

Not that I have any insider knowledge of the Arab and Muslim countries and their respective reasons, but these are some of my ideas based on discussions I've had with Arabs and other Muslims. The first reason for the original policy of non-recognition was I think pretty straightforward. The land which became Israel was a Muslim-majority area which was proclaiming itself a Jewish state. Muslims worldwide rejected this out of a feeling of solidarity with the Palestinians as they stood up against this unwelcome change and loss of their claim to the land.

Now, I'm always cynical as to the real motives of governments for their actions, but on an individual level I think that would have been the general feeling. With the masses of the Muslim countries against Israel at its inception, there was no reason to recognize the Jewish state and every reason not to politically. Besides which, the Arab countries were hopeful that Israel would not survive.

As to the specific cases you mentioned, there are specific reasons for these. Turkey has until recently been controlled by a rabidly secular, anti-Islamic government, though it is 99% Muslim. Consequently, it has no special sympathy for the Muslims of other countries and will do whatever it feels is expedient for Turkey's national interests as a secular country.

I can step out on a limb here and speculate that Turkey's military enjoys the fact that Israel is a thorn in the side of the Arab world, as that gives Turkey some advantages in the region. Remember, pre- WWI Turkey controlled much of the Middle East. It is my understanding that Israel and Turkey have quite a close military alliance and i think this is done to counterbalance Arab power in the region.

As to Egypt, from what I've read from the wife of Sadat himself, Egypt made peace with Israel because it wanted Sinai back and also because Sadat realized that Egypt simply could not afford to continue battling against Israel. America's offer of generous financial aid (most of it military) also helped encourage the peace deal and recognition to come to pass. So it was more a matter of practicality than a change of conviction on Egypt's part.

About Jordan, I don't know that much, but the popular perception is that Jordan was basically bribed into signing the peace deal. They got much-needed money and incentives from the US (and Israel?) in return for recognizing what was already the case de facto.

As to the rest of the Muslim world, 60 years on and why it doesn't recognize Israel, there could be several reasons for this. I believe the original reason is probably still the most valid one. If the Muslim countries were to recognize Israel, it would be like admitting that the Palestinian Muslims had been defeated and they no longer supported the Palestinian struggle. To do this in most Muslim countries would endanger the survivability of the government that attempted it and damage its credibility as a "Muslim" government in the eyes of the people. Maintaining a "Muslim" facade is very important to maintaining power in many Muslim countries.

But of course, there are other, less obvious reasons I'm sure. One would be the ostracism of other Muslim countries. The fact that Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan have taken that step would tend to negate that theory, however. Another reason might be that having an official enemy keeps the citizens focused on things other than what is happening in their own countries. Again, I think this is somewhat of a weak argument, but it may be true to some extent in some places.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Israel interferes with their Extremist Muslim Ideals. This is one of the fundamental problems with Iran. The Ayatollahs ramming their extremist Ideal's down the throats of the PERSIAN people (not Arabs) Though Iranians do vote they cannot vote out the Ayatollahs whom rule over those like Ahmandinejad. The Arab countries that have infected their brand of extremist Islam on Persia will only aid in the fight against Israel. Will they give the Palestinians land and money as Israel and America have to help them build and become peaceful? NO! All they will do is fund terrorist such as Hezbollah and Ham mas to create instability in the region. If the area becomes Democratic and peaceful this will usher in a new era in the Muslim world where the people of these nations will want Democracy as well and not Theocracy. This is why these extremist Arab as well as Persian Iranian governments will NEVER except Israel. Not because of religion, but because of threat to their political power accepting them will derive. Don't ever forget. After Israel was created, it was attacked on ALL sides by Arab countries. Result? The Arabs got their butts handed to them and Israel took even more land creating a larger country. In the 1990's they offered 95% of what Arafat was asking for. He waited awhile and DECLINED the most generous offer and embezzled millions that his wife lives on in France now after his death. Millions upon millions that Israel and America gave to promote a peaceful society.

Answer 4

Nothing happens overnight. It takes time for growth, as you can see Turkey, Egypt and Jordan have already signed peace treaties with Israel.

It is not easy for them to accept the Jewish State when they felt it to be an Arab country. But in time they will eventually accept Israel because it is Israel and that won't change.

Answer 5

Regarding Egypt and Jordan, they had reasons for signing peace treaties with Israel. But you will notice that Egypt is very close to the Hamas and have turned a blind eye to (if not actually aided) the import of extremely large quantities of weapons and ammunition from Egypt to Gaza.

Since they are intended to be used against Israel, we must be wary of Egypt, to say the least.

The Islamist religion is what prevents most Muslim states from even recognizing Israel. (Since Turkey is a secular state, Islam does not play a part in their policies.)

After all, the Quran is clear on this issue:

Kill unbelievers:
Sura 9:123. O ye who believe! fight the unbelievers who gird you about, and let them find firmness in you: and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.

Don't be friends with Jews or Christians:
Sura 5:51: O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your allies and protectors: They are but allies and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.


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Answer 6

Egypt,Jordan,Azerbaijan and some other Muslim majority states do recognize Israel. Most anti-Israel feeling in the world today is really antisemitism in disguise

Answer 7

Duke of tudor: Turkey is a very special case, they have tried for umpteen years to get into the EU but the EU denies them becuase of their Human Rights Record. Israel and Turkey are friends becuase Israel supports Turkey, Money-wise, why? For example Iraq when Israel bombed Iraq they needed to go through Turkish airspace to do so also you remember Syria a few months ago, againd they went through Turkish airspace. The Turkish got nothing in return? I doubt it. I tend to agree with Mark, Israel is doing an illegal occupation, why can't Israel stop the illegal occupation and building of new settlements and get the old ones out? Then what would stop people from accepting each other? Of course occupation and other issues.

edit to Mimi: why only right of return for the people of their grandparents land? There are many still alive today who are born on Israeli land and their sons and daughters , who have family on Israli land who are never allowed to see their family members.

Duke of Tudor I found a rather interesting article from Time magazine 1955 regarding Israel and Turkey's friendship:
Both economies are eager to industrialize, but lack necessary foreign exchange; both produce goods that have difficulty competing in world markets (Turkey's wheat is inferior, Israel's manufactures overpriced), so they swap. Last week, to exchange-short Turkey, Israel granted new credits of $4,500,000. It was a returned favor; last year it was Israel which was caught short and saved by Turkey.

Answer 8

That's a DAMN good question. My dad's theory is that the Muslim world is facing a "Dark Age" of their own, much like the Christian world. For those who've got a decent understanding of history, the Muslims have prov en themselves to be a prosperous, formidable force. But, now, they seem to be in their own "Dark Age." I don't mean to lump all Arabs/Muslims into the same boat. I think that democracy and chick's rites are greatly lacking from much of the Islamic world. For instance, Mohammed's wife(PBUH)rode her own camel/horse. And yet Saudi women are not allowed to drive. I believe that the Muslim world is largely hurting themselves by not taking advantage of their female assets.

Salaam.
Shalom.
Merry Xmas.

Answer 9

Because they are sovereign states and they do not wish to. There exists under international law no obligation to recognize another government. The U.S. did not recognize the U.S.S.R. until 1933 and China until 1972. Only Pakistan recognized the Taliban government of Afghanistan. In fact,most Arab states regard Israel the same way most western states regarded the Taliban,that is as a terrorist state or rogue government. I hope that answers your question.

Answer 10

Pastor Art gave the shortest, and most objective answer.
1400 years of hate.

Also, Israelis should stop caring about who recognizes them. People didn't want to recognize Jews for two millenniums, and we are still here.
This, looking for approval from those Saudi cannibals, is sickening.