The biggest mistake the West ever made
was not preventing the formation of the state of Israel in 1947-8. I understand why we didn't - some felt guilty at failing to prevent the holocaust, and worried how preventing a homeland for its survivors would appear. Others simply wanted to get more Jews out of Europe and didnt care where they went.

But whatever the average motivation for standing back and allowing it to happen, it's poisoned all of subsequent middle-eastern history
(Carpe Cyprinidae, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 18:12, 16 replies)

True, if you ignore the history of western imperialism and repeated subversion of democracy in the region by the US and the UK.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1953_Iranian_coup_d'%C3%A9tat
(Brigadier an old boot sitting on a man's face - forever, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 18:24, closed)

This is an excellent point
if you ignore the entire history of European involvement in the middle east and instead blame it all on the dirty Jews like some sort of witless tweenage fuck end.
( Dr. Shambolic je suis charlie, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 18:45, closed)

Good point

(Brigadier an old boot sitting on a man's face - forever, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 18:59, closed)

well made

( The Doveston haunted by the memory of his own amnesia, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 19:35, closed)

I'd maybe suggest that you look up the Balfour Declaration.
To summarise, in plain terms, Britain and France both agreed to let the Middle East rot during WW1. If you think WW1 was all about Northern Europe - look it up.

The Balfour Declaration laid down the framework for an independent democratic state - effectively what you are objecting against was legitimised in 1918.
( The Disappointed Caravanner of the year, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 19:06, closed)

Agreed
I'm oversimplifying I know - it seemed in-tune with the theme of the QOTW. Cause and effect in that region can be strung out convincingly back to the days of Salah bin ul-Aydin via the Ottoman empire but Balfour must share a big chunk of the blame.

Could also argue - perhaps less controversially although not by much - that the Ottoman Turks had the best record of the past few centuries..
(Carpe Cyprinidae, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 19:24, closed)

*BEEP* This vehicle is reversing...

( The Mock TurtIe ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 19:28, closed)

This vehicle doesn't have a 'clarify' warning sound
In the end 1948 was a big chance to say 'no more' that wasn't taken. 1948's when conspiracy became action on a major scale. 1948 was a disaster, the human displacement forcibly effected to make possible the recreation of a historic state was principally done then.

It equivalates the point nowadays where official U.N disapproval would probably switch to passing resolutions permitting action.
(Carpe Cyprinidae, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 19:32, closed)

tl;dr

( The Mock TurtIe ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 19:38, closed)

I'd say that in 1948 the Western World had rather bigger issues
There was an assumption that the allies had convenientially resolved a problem and there was a rather greater concentration upon the re-industrialisation of Western Europe.

I think the priorities were right.
( The Disappointed Caravanner of the year, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 19:40, closed)

Without checking I think the French co-signatory was Marc Silk
He was very careful to ensure that it was always referred to in British terms of reference, and Balfour was an egotist quite prepared to let this happen.
( The Disappointed Caravanner of the year, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 19:33, closed)

Cause and effect in that region
can be strung out convincingly back to the formation of the first city-state Uruk in the early 4th millennium B.C.
( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 19:55, closed)

I done proper lolz here.

( Dr. Shambolic je suis charlie, Sat 27 Apr 2013, 18:49, closed)

I blame God.
Pretty sure he could just manifest in a burning bush and settle the issue, once and for all, were he so inclined.
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Fri 26 Apr 2013, 20:13, closed)

I blame Bod
Pretty sure he could just burn his bush and settle the issue.
( Invisible Wizard - 10th Level Nerf-herder, Sat 27 Apr 2013, 12:57, closed)

I read that as:
"bum his bush", and slightly struggled to work it out....
(gearanach #wankwankwank, Sun 28 Apr 2013, 13:29, closed)