Israelis are upset because of the extremely warm reception given by the Pope to Mahmoud Abbas (not Abu — his nom de guerre was Abu Mazen in the days before he became a “moderate”). They are perfectly aware that this Pope and Pope Benedict both referred previously to a “Palestinian State.” Disappointment was especially strong because the Pope was previously seen as such a friend of the Jews, both in Buenos Aires and Rome. However, it will blow over. The Pope’s efforts against anti-Semitism are much more important, given the upsurge of that mental disorder around the world, especially in Europe.
Norman A Bailey is the author of numerous books and articles and recipient of several honorary degrees, medals and awards and two orders of knighthood. He also teaches economic statecraft at The Institute of World Politics and has experience on the staff of the National Security Council at the White House, in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and in business, consulting and finance. He is professor emeritus in the National Security Studies Center, University of Haifa, and a columnist for Globes, the Israeli business and financial newspaper.
More by Norman A. Bailey