Would Israel be another undemocratic nation in the Middle East without western influences?

Question

I'm guessing it would.

Answer 1

it wouldnt even be a nation, and israel is not democratic, they have castes

Answer 2

I've gotta disagree with this one. Seems to me that if Israel were going to go down the despotic route it would have done so already. I'm sure there have been many times over the last 60 years when the military didn't agree with the elected government yet they have remembered their oath's and persevered. Western influence...Yes I am sure there is a lot of that but not to the point of keeping a government on the straight and narrow path of democracy. I've read the specs on the Merkava tank, I am a tanker by trade and know a bit about the subject, and it seems to me to be a really effective machine even if it isn't exported throughout the world. Similar things can be said about the Uzi and the Galil assault rifle but that doesn't detract from the fact that they are first rate as well. Seems to me that the Israeli government is doing a pretty bang up good job. Manufacturing and export???...well as I recall the last time I qualified with an M16 rifle here in the US the ammunition was manufactured by IMI Industries which I believe is an 'Israeli' company. Can't respond about other consumer goods, don't know that much about them and don't profess to. Seems to me that Israel is doing a pretty good job of maintaining democracy in a part of the world where the very word 'democracy' is almost unheard of. I believe all of her citizens still have the right to vote without knocks on the door at midnight.

Answer 3

Since its earliest days Zionism has espoused pluralism and demoracy. From the earliest days of the Zionist Congress to the socialist kibbutz, decisions made by a group have been the staple of governance in this movement. In light of this, I think it no great wonder that Israel became a democracy, and would be so without any western intervention.

Answer 4

The Jewish people are the most argumentative people in the world - they argue with everyone including G-d.

If that isn't democracy, what is?

I'm a proud Jew living in Israel.

Answer 5

As an Israeli, I would have to disagree with you.
As Paperback said, democracy is built into Judaism. Additionally, Israelis would never stand for anything else!
Before you criticize Israel, visit there!

Answer 6

For sure , without money from the US? In the early days all they could do was trade with Turkey. Cheers!


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.


Strange friendship
Monday, Jan. 10, 1955

Answer 7

To those that replied,

What does Judaism have to do with ersatz israel? It isn't a religious state.

The caste system is well established in ersatz israel. We have recently been reading about the ersatz israeli poll that showed an unbelievably high high level of discrimination to Arab israelis. That makes Russian israelis anti-Semitic.

Answer 8

No not at all. If you do even a bit of historical research, you'll see that democracy is built into the very fabric of Judaism. One really interesting book - and yes, written by a NON JEW - is 'The History Of The Jews' by Paul Johnson.

It doesn't just focus on the Jews, it discusses also Islam. Most enlightening read.

EDIT

- Israel doesn't have a 'caste system'. You clearly have never been there.

Answer 9

Israel is the last Western colonial rule in the world after South Africa colonial rule.