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Double standard on war crimes investigations is bad for everyone
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President Obama with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
The double standard is not a practice that has traditionally been "good for the Jews." In fact, given that the double standard is the root of all prejudice, it could be argued — and, indeed, I have in the past argued — that the double standard is at the heart of anti-Semitism in practice.
That's why it particularly bothers me when I see double standards being meted out toward anyone, but particularly toward Jews. That being said, what's arisen over the last few days is the rare case where the double standard favors the (or, at least, some) Jewish people — at least, in the short term. Andrew E. Mathis
What am I talking about? Today, the U.S. State Department began pressing the government of Sri Lanka to investigate allegations of war crimes committed by the majority Buddhist government against the Tamil Hindu minority, guerrillas from which were defeated decisively earlier this year after a lengthy civil war.
I've written about this case myself, and I believe war crimes investigations should be done regardless of the countries involved.
What bothers me in this case is that the State Department's pressure on Sri Lanka comes on the heels of the Obama administration's criticism of the Goldstone Report on Israeli and Palestinian war crimes committed during last winter's Gaza war.
This points, once again, to the "special relationship" that Israel enjoys with the United States. We on the Jewish left were assured during the campaign that President Obama would deal with Israel differently — that he would give a firm "no" regarding settlements and push Netanyahu and Abbas toward peace. Instead, this administration has given lip service to a new Middle East policy but not followed words with action.
This double standard on war crimes merely proves the point. A day has passed since the criticism of the Goldstone Report, and the State Department is pressing virtually the same issue elsewhere.
I began this piece by bringing up the eternal question: Is it good for the Jews? Some may think that the United States's treatment of Israel benefits Jews both in Israel and elsewhere, but it doesn't. It embitters Israel's enemies and friends alike. Those of us who would like to see a secure, peace-enjoying Israel alongside a viable, self-reliant Palestinian state see the danger in the "special relationship." We want it to stop, because otherwise Israel's policies will never change.
So enough of double standards, OK? Treat Israel like any other country in the world, and you'll see how quickly it falls into line.
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