Solomonia Archive: Goldhagen on Ahmadinejad

Saturday, November 5, 2005

Daniel Jonah Goldhagen: Iran Bares 'Genocidal Intent'

...For genocide to occur, two components must be present, intent and opportunity, with intent often long preceding the acquisition of the means and circumstances necessary to implement it. In South-West Africa, the intent could not have been clearer, and the opportunity was also present, given the overwhelming German military superiority. The Germans systematically slaughtered three-quarters of the Herero people. Hitler had already articulated his wish to "exterminate" the Jews in 1920, but not until the German conquest of Europe did the opportunity exist for him to carry out his wishes, which he promptly did, murdering 6 million.

How has the world reacted to Mr. Ahmadinejad, von Trotta and Hitler's rhetorical heir? With the exception of the Palestinian Authority's spokesman, the leaders of Arab and other Islamic countries have been silent. Their countries' newspapers, with tacit approval, have printed on their front pages Mr. Ahmadinejad's speech without commentary. In the democratic world, political leaders and editorialists alike have roundly condemned Mr. Ahmadinejad's words. Yet the critical questions remain unanswered: How seriously should we take Mr. Ahmadinejad's statements? More specifically, what is the relationship of Mr. Ahmadinejad's words to any real intent? And will intent find opportunity?...

Goldhagen's is one of the better essays I've read on this.

Posted by Solomon at 9:36 PM on Saturday, Nov 5, 2005 | Comments (2)
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2 Comments

#1 Richard Landes | November 6, 2005 1:10 AM

the problem is, as we can see in france, that the unwillingness to respond firmly because "it's not nice", only encourages the aggression. we don't know what to do when faced with this kind of hatred. we didn't believe it when the nazis threatened, and we don't believe it now.

denial prepares tragedy.

and rather than be able to say, this is unacceptable, we have to (silently) acknowledge that this iranian attitude represents a pan-Arab, pan-Muslim phenomenon which we dare not challenge.

and yet... the only way out of this other than down is to confront the arab and muslim world on this. it's a victory that can be won without a shot fired, just the verbal courage to say, "recognize israel and get over this tribal vengeance, or don't expect us to help or sympathize with you." and then we have to stay steady while the tiger kicks and screams about state sponsored terrorism (what do you think your govts do?), about invasion and oppression (what do you think the history of islam is about), about apartheid walls and destruction of olive orchards (start treating your own minorities better).

but that would take a) moral courage and clarity and b) giving up dumping on israel, both of which are apparently very difficult.

#2 mal | November 6, 2005 7:41 AM

http://www.suntimes.com/output/steyn/cst-edt-steyn06.html

Mark Steyn