Article
Henri J. Barkey
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Source: Getty
In The Media
No Benefit of the Doubt for Israel?
The only good thing that can come out of this tragedy is that the Israeli public will hold the government accountable for poor decision-making and incompetent execution that has handed Hamas and its allies the victory of their lifetime.
Published on Jun 1, 2010
Source: Politico
The decision process in this case is eerily reminiscent of group think, the inability to consider alternative explanations and courses of action. Seven cabinet members, without the participation of the whole cabinet, apparently met twice and made the decision. In light of Israel’s international isolation and its delicate relations with the United States, did anyone consider the ramifications of their decision? Moreover, Israel’s actions have diverted the attention of the UN Security Council right at the time they were to take up Iran’s nuclear program - Israel’s paramount concern.
Clearly, the current Israeli government lives in a cocoon. The only good thing that can come out of this tragedy is that the Israeli public will hold the government accountable for poor decision-making and incompetent execution that has handed Hamas and its allies the victory of their lifetime.
About the Author
Henri J. Barkey
Former Visiting Scholar, Middle East Program
Barkey served as a member of the U.S. State Department Policy Planning Staff, working primarily on issues related to the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, and intelligence from 1998 to 2000.
- Winners and Losers in Turkey’s Election
- The Road to Turkey’s June Elections: Crises, Strategies, and OutcomesArticle
Henri J. Barkey
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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