[July 10, 2014] The New York Post headlines read, “Nuke Attack” [in all capital letters].1 They are referring to the terrorist group Hamas firing rockets into the city of Dimona and home of an Israeli nuclear power plant. The implication here is that the terrorists were targeting the “nuke plant.” Senior U.S. leadership did not have much to say about it. But, there is a lesson in leadership about this whole situation.
From the front page of the published New York Post: July 10, 2014
Leadership is practiced at many levels. U.S. leadership at the federal level is likely the most complex, confusing, and difficult of all. Those who serve in those senior most posts have to be extremely good at what they do and sometimes that is nearly an impossible job. But there are some steadfast rules. One is standing up for yourself and friends … Americans and allies. I discussed this yesterday, noting that the U.S. has not officially stepped forward to assist our ally Israel (link here).
Many in America and across the globe do not like us having Israel as an ally. Well, perhaps that should be argued before Congress. I predict such an argument would go nowhere. It would go nowhere because of the historical and social ties and the truth is that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. The reality is that Israel is an ally and a close ally. Standing up for an ally is one of those codified ways of conducting state affairs. An ally, or a friend, that does not stand up and assist, is not dependable and not an ally in fact or spirit.
The violence is predicted to escalate. U.S. leadership can help calm the situation by standing firm, taking concrete actions, and publically denouncing Hamas and their supporters. Lecturing Israel about security or settlements in the West Bank will do nothing but help incite more violence.
U.S. policy in the Middle East remains unclear. This should be clarified and the sooner the better it will be for everyone. The lesson for leaders is that when we are not clear on our intent and also what we do not do sometimes, both can fuel a situation to a conclusion we do not want. In this case more violence.
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[1] http://nypost.com/2014/07/10/day-of-bombardment-in-israel-nears-nuclear-reactor/