Arabs: We Want Democracy - Like Israel

by Khaled Abu Toameh
May 16, 2014 at 5:00 am

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/4317/arabs-want-democracy-israel

"How many Arab leaders would be left if they went on trial of similar cases of bribery and corruption?" — Zuhear al-Karim, Arabic CNN.
"If Olmert were in Kuwait, his case would have been shelved and he would have received a senior position in government." — Yasalam, Al-Aan.
"Law is above all and this is real democracy. Israel is the only real democracy in the Middle East." — Saad Sayad, Arabic CNN.

The Tel Aviv District Court's decision to send former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to six years in prison for corruption has prompted calls in the Arab world for endorsing Israel's standards of accountability, transparency and justice.

Reacting to the sentencing of Olmert, many Arabs expressed hope that the day would come when their countries would learn from Israel that no one is above the law, even if he or she is a president or prime minister.

Sufian Abu Zayda, a leading Fatah official and former Palestinian Authority minister, praised the court verdict; he said it shows that in Israel, no one is above the law.

"This verdict provides further evidence that the judicial system in Israel is fully independent in the wake of the separation between the legislative, executive and judicial authorities, as well as total freedom of the media," said Abu Zayda, who is considered an expert on Israeli affairs.[1]

The praise for Israel's democratic system does not mean that Abu Zayda and other Arabs have become pro-Israel and are willing to recognize Israel's right to exist.

But while they continue to hate Israel and seek its destruction, many Arabs do not hesitate to express their admiration for the independence of Israel's judicial system.

Comments posted by Arabs and Muslims on the Internet this week revealed how eager they are for their countries to endorse Israeli democracy. Similar reactions were also published when an Israeli court sentenced former Israeli President Moshe Katzav to seven years in prison for sex-related offenses.

Following are some of the comments posted on Arab media and social websites in response to the Olmert verdict:

Ali Al-Kadi: "We salute Judge David Rosen [who sentenced Olmert to prison]. We wish the Arabs had 22 judges like David Rosen!" [Al-Quds Al-Arabi][2]
Mohammed Akash: "O Muslims, look at the fairness of this judge and where you are. You must learn from our enemy, Israel. Long live the fair Israeli judicial system."[Al-Quds Al-Arabi][3]
Manji Dalali: "This is one of the secrets behind Israel's victory over the Arabs. We must learn from our Jewish Zionist enemy the principles of fair justice. "[Al-Quds Al-Arabi][4]
Ibrahim - Libya: "We Muslims are in great need of a decent judicial system to punish our thieves and corrupt leaders. May God help us." [Al-Quds Al-Arabi][5]
Hassan Jamal: "I wish Arab countries do the same for their corrupt leaders. I wish the Arab people will do the same for their countries and get rid of corrupt officials, including presidents and kings." [Al-Quds][6]
Mohammed: "Of course Islam is the best religion. But the regimes that claim to endorse Islam are practicing repression and corruption. Meanwhile, Israel is among the democratic countries and is better than all the Arab and Islamic countries when it comes to respecting its people and combating theft of resources." [Al-Wasat News][7]
Adel: "This is the secret to Israel's success; it has become a symbol of justice because it has made justice one of its major bases of power. We, on the other hand, are doing the opposite. We continue to cover up cases of corruption and do not do anything about them." [Echorouk Online][8]
Abu Zeid: "I live in Israel and am familiar with its laws. In this state, no one is above the law." [Al-Arabiya][9]
Sami Dirani: "Israel is the enemy of the Arabs...but it practices democracy - something the Arabs do not know. That is why Israel is stronger and more advanced than the Arabs, who are busy slaughtering each other. Some [Arabs] are dying of starvation, while others are swimming in pools of dollars." [Al-Hayat][10]
Hani: "The hadith [prophet's sayings] states that we should seek education, even if it is in China. And I say to Muslims, 'Learn justice even if it's from Israel.' I wish the day would come when our leaders would be brought to trial and have our money taken back from them." [Assawsana][11]
Yasalam: "If Olmert were in Kuwait, his case would have been shelved and he would have received a senior position in government." [Al-Aan][12]
Rahhal: "The Zionists have more justice than our thugs and so-called Muslims." [Al-Aan][13]
Kabir al-Muhandiseen: "This is how states are built. This is the secret to Israel's strength and steadfastness." [Al-Aan][14]
Muhasabah: "In Israel, they hold their officials accountable and send them to prison, while we Arabs glorify the corrupt." [Al-Aan][15]
Zuhear al-Karim: "How many Arab leaders would be left if they went on trial for similar cases of bribery and corruption?" [Arabic CNN][16]
Abdo Shehatah: "The Jews continue to prove, every day, that they have real democracy in this world." [Arabic CNN][17]
Saad Sayad: "Law is above all and this is democracy. Israel is the only real democracy in the Middle East." [Arabic CNN][18]

[1] http://samanews.com/ar/index.php?act=post&id=200106
[2] http://www.alquds.co.uk/?p=167721
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] http://www.alquds.com/news/article/view/id/503904
[7] http://www.alwasatnews.com/4266/news/read/885026/1.html
[8] http://www.echoroukonline.com/ara/articles/204210.html
[9] http://www.alarabiya.net/ar/arab-and-world/2014/05/13/-الفساد-يدخل-أولمرت-إلى-السجن-6-سنوات.html
[10] http://alhayat.com/Articles/2324750/السجن-ست-سنوات-لرئيس-الوزراء-الإسرائيلي-السابق-ايهود-أولمرت
[11] http://www.alwasatnews.com/4266/news/read/885026/1.html
[12] http://www.alaan.cc/pagedetails.asp?nid=187579&cid=46
[13] Ibid.
[14] Ibid.
[15] Ibid.
[16] http://arabic.cnn.com/middleeast/2014/05/15
[17] Ibid.
[18] Ibid.

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Comment on this item

16 Reader Comments

Israel L. M. Gonzalez • May 22, 2014 at 14:53

Fantastic compilation of quotes from Khaled Abu Toameh, one of the foremost authorities on the region because he brings unique insight with every article he writes. His work should be mandatory reading for anyone studying Israel and its recent history.

As for the quotes above, it still baffles me how the Arab world can see the merits of Israeli democracy and openly admit to it and yet refer to Israel as the enemy. Here is why the Arab societies fall behind Israel in every respect. They are so embroiled in a pointless hatred that although they can plainly see how they can learn from Israel, they fail to do so. Craig's comment is very valid, intelligent and unfortunately for the Arabs, true.

As an aside, thank you Ted for echoing my contempt our provincial government. I'm sick and tired of them too.

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Ron Thompson • May 20, 2014 at 23:14

While it's possible some or most of these comments are taqiyya, lies permitted by Islam to advance the religion by deception as well as force, I'm inclined to think they are more likely akin to schizophrenia, a disordered thought process. In other words, the writers genuinely want some justice and the rule of law in their countries, but are completely unable to recognize that they will never be able able to get them consistent with the holy tenets of Islam.

The question is why the 'leaders' of the West refuse to publicly say this or, in other words, to question the moral legitimacy of Islam itself. Whatever secret thoughts about Islam's fatal inadequacies there are in the Muslim world, they get no support from any high officials or prominent public intellectuals in the West.

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Ted • May 18, 2014 at 20:36

Ontario Canada wants this too. Our current and previous liberal premiers are crooks and are in need of incarceration for their crimes.

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Ron B. • May 18, 2014 at 05:06

...what else might your corrupt leaders be missing or lying about?

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Guy • May 17, 2014 at 08:27

Very suspicious these comments, no? Fatah has a problem - the state of permanent peace negotiations is threatened as Israel might go it alone, and looming are the 2016 American elections and it is not unreasonable for someone today to assume it will not bode well for their Democratic friends and at the least such a Sharia friendly administration as this one is surely not to be returned to power.

Better put forward a new and different face.

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Bart Benschop • May 16, 2014 at 23:01

Dear Sir,

Most Arabs are Muslim which means they submit to Shari'iah, The Law of Allah, his Name be praised. This law requires that there be one absolute ruler who is appointed by Al Ulama, the body of recognized Muslim scholars. The ruler represents Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah. Anybody who promotes a democratic alternative commits an enormity under Al Shari'iah on the basis that such views are blasphemous to Muhammad and the Law of Allah. Enormities are punished by death. A Shari'iah Court is not even required to execute the blasphemer. Comments in favor of democracy, Israeli justice, etc. in the Arab press are Al Taqiyya, lies and misleading in the Name of Allah, simply to deceive non-Muslims.

Kind regards,

Bart Benschop

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Horace Kindler • May 16, 2014 at 19:48

Missing in all these comments from Arab media is the faintest acknowledgement that the greatest obstacle to a democratic process is Islam itself. The Islamic concept of the caliphate proposes a theocratic polity as the ideal society in which supreme religious and political power resides in one individual. This concept cannot be reconciled with the principles of democracy. And so long as the Caliph rules in accordance with Islamic law (sharia) he is to be obeyed without question. But sharia itself codifies inequalities in the law as, for example, between the status and treatment of women and men and thus cannot form the basis of a democracy in which each is treated the same before the law. Until Arabs are prepared to undertake fundamental changes in their religious ideology and redress their intolerance of religious, gender, and sexual differences in people, they can never achieve a free, open, democratic society. Admiring Israeli justice and yet hating the system that makes it all possible only points out the inanity of these comments.

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Craig

Horace Kindler • May 18, 2014 at 17:17

One aspect of the Muslim Arab thought process that is totally unfathomable to the Western mind is the ability to hold diametrically opposed belief systems in your mind at the same time. This is not just thinking about two opposing belief systems, but actually living and breathing in two opposing worlds at the same time. I have worked with Muslim Arabs from the PA administered territories who come daily to Israel to work. While in Israel and working with Jews, these men express deep personal feelings of admiration and appreciation for their jobs and the achievements they see in Israeli society, particularly the freedoms and openness they work in. Yet, as soon as a phone call comes in from their wives or from others "back home," the conversation becomes incredibly different. There is an instant immersion into a culture that they feel perfectly comfortable in but which is the antithesis of their daytime work environment. In fact, many clearly are highly religious Muslims and strong supporters of Hamas. What keeps Muslim Arabs stuck in a world that is not working for them is their ability to live in two diametrically opposed worlds and yet not be obliged to put two and two together to make four - i.e., their failure to realize that all the troubles and sufferings of their home society are due to their own acceptance of, immersion in, and comfort with that Islamic society. Hence, they can see day after day what works, yet return night after night to the world that doesn't, and it remains just fine for them - It's Allah's will. As Horace stated so well, it is inane, but only to the Western mind. It is totally normal for the Muslim Arab mind.

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A.T. Halmay • May 16, 2014 at 16:52

I have always said that the Middle East has three religions - Judaism, Islam and a third shared by all: Baksheesh (A bribe or tip, but mostly a bribe).

The Turks brought the word to the Balkans when they invaded Europe but, of course, the practice exists in the entire world under different names. Israel's sentencing a former Prime Minister for bribery is winning the respect and hearts from people the world over. Concurrently, it must make a great number of politicians in all part of the world extremely nervous. It may lead to some enlightened countries writing new legislation that calls for double or triple severity in punishment when a crime is committed by a person in power and in a position of trust. I've been calling for this for years. Bravo, Israel!

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Harry Taft • May 16, 2014 at 15:21

I'm uncertain as to why comments from the United States are not included. Our own politicians are guilty (some, not all) of the same venality that haunts the Arabs. Leaders who pick and choose laws to enforce and laws to ignore are corrupt. The highest duty being to honor all our laws unless and until they are changed by a legitimate process. Westerners prone to sneer at the Muslims because of their pronounced bias in interpreting their laws to political advantage, should explain to the rest of us, why our leaders are to be held to a different standard. These comments are incredibly important to Americans. They remind us how we are off on the wrong track.

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Craig • May 16, 2014 at 14:44

It is amusing to read all the praise for Israel's system of justice from Muslims in the Middle East. What they fail to see is that true democracy and rule of law develops only from the bottom up and never from the top down. Ahmed (John Doe) wants his leaders to be fair and just, but he sees nothing wrong with ripping off his neighbor as long as he is able to get away with it. This cultural tendency, particularly in Middle Eastern countries, goes right back to the Koran and Mohamed who changed the rules and edicts of his new religion whenever he needed to in order to stay on top. He was top dog because he "got away with it." Democracy and rule of law cannot develop in such a society. What's wrong with Arab countries and societies is not Arab culture but Islamic culture. All one has to do is look at the treatment of women in Islam. Would any of the many writers above be willing to pay the price for democracy and rule of law if the price were fully equal rights for women? Absolutely not. These writers all want to "have their cake and eat it too." That won't work. Any Muslim who truly wants democracy and rule of law should first bring equal rights to women in Muslim societies. Then they'll see how fast things will change.

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Doug Mayfield • May 16, 2014 at 13:46

TANSTAAFL, the acronym for 'There ain't no such thing as a free lunch' summarizes my reaction to this article, which I do think is a good one, and for which I thank K. A. Toameh.

If life proves one thing, it's that the only way to get something good, for example, money, or success, or a fulfilling relationship, is to work at it.

(One can grab some good things at gun point, but I find that approach to be thoroughly morally repugnant and so leave it to the dealers in socialist poison, the Left.)

Sometimes the work necessary to achieve something good is philosophical and political, even personal and psychological, rather than economic and financial.

In my view, those in the Arab world who want 'Israel's standards of accountability, transparency and justice', must first denounce, and then reject outright, the malevolent and authoritarian belief system, Islam, which spawns the corruption which they are seeking to correct.

Keep in mind, Islam fiercely condemns such crucial aspects of good government as freedom and individual rights and is particularly harsh toward anything even faintly resembling freedom of speech.

There will be no middle ground. If writers quoted in this article are going to reach the 'safe harbor' of 'accountability, transparency and justice', they must first stand up to the brutal whirlwind that even the faintest opposition to any aspect of Islam will inevitably create.

Anyone who does this will get a nod of appreciation and respect from me.

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Jim • May 16, 2014 at 08:22

The Arab comments show confusion between rule of law and democracy. What these trials exhibit is the notion of rule of law. Without effective democratic checks on power, rule of law is unlikely to survive, admittedly. Also, in Israel, as in most of the world, separation of powers in more nominal than effective.

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Paul Randall • May 16, 2014 at 08:19

It's amazing! You can't make this stuff up! The Muslim Arabs hate Israel because of the propaganda they hear in their schools and media and from their corrupt governments, but they still admire the Israeli democracy and judicial system. Whereas the BDS morons keep with the lie that Israel is an apartheid state. This needs to be shouted from the rooftops!

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Yosef ben Israel • May 16, 2014 at 06:14

If this is not sufficient to have a real democracy, this is indeed necessary. I join my voice to the Arab voices: long live to the judiciary Israeli system.

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Fedup • May 16, 2014 at 05:56

"Manji Dalali: "This is one of the secrets behind Israel's victory over the Arabs. We must learn from our Jewish Zionist enemy the principles of fair justice. "[Al-Quds Al-Arabi][4]

Wrong, Manji. The secret of Israel's victories is that the G-D of Israel is G-D.

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