133 states support Israeli proposal at UN

[vminfla]

A majority comprised of 133 states voted at the United Nations General Assembly Friday in favor of an Israeli proposal to make farming technology more accessible to developing African nations. Arab countries, who opposed the measure for political reasons, led a group of 35 nations who abstained from the vote.

The measure proposed by the Jewish state is expected to aid the Arab world among other regions, and is in line with the UN policy to eradiate hunger and poverty.

Iraq expressed objection to the proposal on behalf the Arab states, claiming that Israel is exploiting the developing world's needs to make political gains and to mask "illegal and destructive" policies. Nevertheless, the Arab states did not vote against the measure.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor thanked the General Assembly members for backing the proposal, noting that the support indicates international recognition of Israel's contribution to the world, particularly in the technology field

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4156281,00.html

[PDJane]

1. The truth is that Israel's farming policies are destructive,

especially in semi-arid and arid lands.

[King_David]

2. Farming policies are destructive?

Explain,if you can.

[PDJane]

3. yeah, I can.

Western farming practices tend to deplete the water table; combine that with western usage of water for personal use, and you have a very destructive practice.

Yes, you can make the desert bloom. But ripping up olive trees and changing the use of the land is not, in the long term, a viable option. In Australia, rising groundwater levels due to Agricultural practices, are causing soil salinization on a massive scale. http://www.environment.gov.au/land/pressures/salinity/index.html . Shallow-rooted crops and irrigation are changing the landscape. While it is true that Australia does have large sections of naturally-ocurring salt in the landscape, western agricultural practices are spreading the plague, and it is a plague.

Cattle grazing isn't helpful either, and can lead to further desertification; look at Africa.

In absolute truth, the Israeli lifestyle is not viable unless it's supported by resources that belong to Palestinians; that's one of the main reasons that the barrier wall encloses Palestinian land. That land encompasses the water table, a resource of the commons.

[oberliner]

4. You have no idea what you are talking about

Israel actually invented and introduced drip irrigation during the 1960's. This innovation revolutionized agriculture in the region.

That you cannot even credit Israel for its farming techniques (that virtually the entire world, via this UN vote, supports) than I think that speaks volumes about your own perceptions of the country.

[PDJane]

5. It says more about the fact that I don't trust any altruistic

motions from Israel. And yes, I know about drip irrigation; you are still adding to the water table. It's slower, but not negligible.

[vminfla]

7. Your statements belie your personal bias

Some of the greatest innovations in agriculture of the last 100 years have been made by Israelis. That you prescribe some dark, nefarious motive to a humanitarian resolution, like the biased arab league, is more telling on you than on Israel or the motion itself.
l'

[PDJane]

11. Uh huh......

like some of the tactics that US cops are pioneered by the Israelis.

You're right, it is a bias. And I understand where and why. I don't trust the Israelis as far as I can see them, you know.....and that has to do with what the Israelis do and why.

For instance, like the illegal settlements dropping untreated sewage on palestinian farm lands...and harvesting crops and minerals that aren't theirs. You know, like that.

[oberliner]

17. OK - but can you acknowledge you may have some bias?

Is it possible that you are pre-disposed to be suspicious of anything positive with respect to Israel because your views of the country and its policies are generally unfavorable?

[King_David]

9. All your answer shows ...

Is that your no expert.

;)

[PDJane]

12. You're a fine one to accuse anyone of not being an expert.

The man who can't see for his religious bias; and religion is a man made construct. It's a fine way to rationalize your own biases.

At least I admit to mine.

[King_David]

13. I am an atheist and yes a proud Jew

;)

[shira]

16. So do you believe Israel is tricking 133 countries into doing something dangerous?

Maybe the 35 Arab states objecting to the proposal are correct when "claiming the proposal was to exploit the developing world's needs for political gains and mask "illegal and destructive" Israeli policies."

Yes, no, maybe?

IMO, those 35 Arab states should be ashamed of themselves.

[LeftishBrit]

6. Huh?

Israel is a semi-arid country that has been very successful at farming, considering the conditions. How has it been 'destructive'?

[vminfla]

15. Israelis have been able to feed their children

Can't you see the harm in that?

[shira]

8. Last week pinkwashing, now it's farmwashing...in order to "mask illegal/destructive Israeli policy

Haters gotta hate!

:eyes:

[King_David]

10. LOL nt

[vminfla]

14. true dat

no cause for it, summarily dismissing Israels contributions to science and technology is completely irrational and not in the best interests of oneself.