An Apartheid Apart

In today's issue of Daily Alert there is a short summary of an editorial from the Wall Street Journal, which aparently is not available in its entirety online:

The "Apartheid Wall" - Editorial

The "security fence" consists of two high-rise metal fences, topped by razor wire and equipped with sensor pads, movement detectors, spotlights, and infrared cameras. It's patrolled 24 hours a day by the military. No, we're not talking about Israel's security barrier. The "apartheid wall" described above surrounds Melilla which, together with Ceuta, is a leftover of Spain's colonial past in northern Africa. There's more than a hint of hypocrisy here. While Spain and much of Europe condemn Israel for building a security fence on disputed territory, the Socialist government in Madrid - which talks grandly of an "Alliance of Civilizations" - does exactly the same. Only, unlike in Israel's case, this wall isn't there to stop terrorists and save lives. It's intended to keep out Sub-Saharans looking for a better life. Spain even gets EU funding for it. (Wall Street Journal, 26 Sep 05)

I wonder if there's more here than the usual issue of Anti-Semitism. The 'Old Boy's Club'--the European countries with a long history of imperialism--stick together when ugly little realities intrude on worn-out reminders of past glories. But even assuming that these same countries respect Israel's right to exist--and that may be a stretch--there is almost a hint of condescension, as if certain measures that a country may take on its own behalf are allowed only to certain nations of standing.

That may explain in part the attitude of Europe towards America on the one hand and why the US tends not to view Israel in quite the same way that Europe does.

Technorati Tag: Israel.