Why don't Arab and Muslim-majority states recognize Israel?

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MBC

Sorry I'm so late in answering, but I've been busy.

Not that I have any insider knowledge of the Arab and Muslim countries and their respective reasons, but these are some of my ideas based on discussions I've had with Arabs and other Muslims. The first reason for the original policy of non-recognition was I think pretty straightforward. The land which became Israel was a Muslim-majority area which was proclaiming itself a Jewish state. Muslims worldwide rejected this out of a feeling of solidarity with the Palestinians as they stood up against this unwelcome change and loss of their claim to the land.

Now, I'm always cynical as to the real motives of governments for their actions, but on an individual level I think that would have been the general feeling. With the masses of the Muslim countries against Israel at its inception, there was no reason to recognize the Jewish state and every reason not to politically. Besides which, the Arab countries were hopeful that Israel would not survive.

As to the specific cases you mentioned, there are specific reasons for these. Turkey has until recently been controlled by a rabidly secular, anti-Islamic government, though it is 99% Muslim. Consequently, it has no special sympathy for the Muslims of other countries and will do whatever it feels is expedient for Turkey's national interests as a secular country.

I can step out on a limb here and speculate that Turkey's military enjoys the fact that Israel is a thorn in the side of the Arab world, as that gives Turkey some advantages in the region. Remember, pre- WWI Turkey controlled much of the Middle East. It is my understanding that Israel and Turkey have quite a close military alliance and i think this is done to counterbalance Arab power in the region.

As to Egypt, from what I've read from the wife of Sadat himself, Egypt made peace with Israel because it wanted Sinai back and also because Sadat realized that Egypt simply could not afford to continue battling against Israel. America's offer of generous financial aid (most of it military) also helped encourage the peace deal and recognition to come to pass. So it was more a matter of practicality than a change of conviction on Egypt's part.

About Jordan, I don't know that much, but the popular perception is that Jordan was basically bribed into signing the peace deal. They got much-needed money and incentives from the US (and Israel?) in return for recognizing what was already the case de facto.

As to the rest of the Muslim world, 60 years on and why it doesn't recognize Israel, there could be several reasons for this. I believe the original reason is probably still the most valid one. If the Muslim countries were to recognize Israel, it would be like admitting that the Palestinian Muslims had been defeated and they no longer supported the Palestinian struggle. To do this in most Muslim countries would endanger the survivability of the government that attempted it and damage its credibility as a "Muslim" government in the eyes of the people. Maintaining a "Muslim" facade is very important to maintaining power in many Muslim countries.

But of course, there are other, less obvious reasons I'm sure. One would be the ostracism of other Muslim countries. The fact that Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan have taken that step would tend to negate that theory, however. Another reason might be that having an official enemy keeps the citizens focused on things other than what is happening in their own countries. Again, I think this is somewhat of a weak argument, but it may be true to some extent in some places.

Michael J

For the record, the occupation has nothing to do with Arab recognition of Israel, or lack there of. Both Egypt and Jordan recognized Israel only AFTER the occupation, clearly at odds with this theory. Equally at odds is the lack of any Arab country recognizing Israel BEFORE the occupation, despite the lack of excuse (keep in mind Turkey is Turkish and not Arabic). Arab countries refuse to recognize Israel because there is no imperative for them to do so to override their unfounded hope that Israel will someday cease to exist. Once Egypt and Jordan received such a nudge, they complied and accepted Israel, giving up (at least on paper) their hope to destroy Israel.

To Mimi: This is an issue that I fail to understand. Many people feel that it is the Palestinians home - as they lived there - while it is not the Jews home who came from out of no where. The Jews however did call the place home at some point until they were expelled. Is the Jewish claim any lesser than the Palestinian claim at this point? After all, it's been 60 years since those Palestinians 'lost their homes', meaning that the vast majority were not born in Israel nor have they ever lived there. To me, at this point there isn't any difference between being 1 or 100 generations removed as it comes down to the same thing: Your 'home' is a dream of a place you've never been. To me, your philosophical denial of the Jewish claim only invalidates your own, as it turns what could be a logical argument into a purely selfish one. It becomes an argument where one side says "it's my home" and the other side says "no, it's MY home". As that 'home' is currently in Israel's hands, it's quite clear who wins that type of argument. Either way, as the collective Arab community of this region did not accept the Jewish claim 100 years ago, they can scarcely accept their own claim and make sense at the same time.

HopelessZ00

Duke of tudor: Turkey is a very special case, they have tried for umpteen years to get into the EU but the EU denies them becuase of their Human Rights Record. Israel and Turkey are friends becuase Israel supports Turkey, Money-wise, why? For example Iraq when Israel bombed Iraq they needed to go through Turkish airspace to do so also you remember Syria a few months ago, againd they went through Turkish airspace. The Turkish got nothing in return? I doubt it. I tend to agree with Mark, Israel is doing an illegal occupation, why can't Israel stop the illegal occupation and building of new settlements and get the old ones out? Then what would stop people from accepting each other? Of course occupation and other issues.

edit to Mimi: why only right of return for the people of their grandparents land? There are many still alive today who are born on Israeli land and their sons and daughters , who have family on Israli land who are never allowed to see their family members.

Duke of Tudor I found a rather interesting article from Time magazine 1955 regarding Israel and Turkey's friendship:
Both economies are eager to industrialize, but lack necessary foreign exchange; both produce goods that have difficulty competing in world markets (Turkey's wheat is inferior, Israel's manufactures overpriced), so they swap. Last week, to exchange-short Turkey, Israel granted new credits of $4,500,000. It was a returned favor; last year it was Israel which was caught short and saved by Turkey.

Axle

That's a DAMN good question. My dad's theory is that the Muslim world is facing a "Dark Age" of their own, much like the Christian world. For those who've got a decent understanding of history, the Muslims have prov en themselves to be a prosperous, formidable force. But, now, they seem to be in their own "Dark Age." I don't mean to lump all Arabs/Muslims into the same boat. I think that democracy and chick's rites are greatly lacking from much of the Islamic world. For instance, Mohammed's wife(PBUH)rode her own camel/horse. And yet Saudi women are not allowed to drive. I believe that the Muslim world is largely hurting themselves by not taking advantage of their female assets.

Salaam.
Shalom.
Merry Xmas.

Ivri Anokhi

Regarding Egypt and Jordan, they had reasons for signing peace treaties with Israel. But you will notice that Egypt is very close to the Hamas and have turned a blind eye to (if not actually aided) the import of extremely large quantities of weapons and ammunition from Egypt to Gaza.

Since they are intended to be used against Israel, we must be wary of Egypt, to say the least.

The Islamist religion is what prevents most Muslim states from even recognizing Israel. (Since Turkey is a secular state, Islam does not play a part in their policies.)

After all, the Quran is clear on this issue:

Kill unbelievers:
Sura 9:123. O ye who believe! fight the unbelievers who gird you about, and let them find firmness in you: and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.

Don't be friends with Jews or Christians:
Sura 5:51: O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your allies and protectors: They are but allies and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily Allah guideth not a people unjust.

.

moneymok

Pastor Art gave the shortest, and most objective answer.
1400 years of hate.

Also, Israelis should stop caring about who recognizes them. People didn't want to recognize Jews for two millenniums, and we are still here.
This, looking for approval from those Saudi cannibals, is sickening.

Mr. X

wow, lots of israel haters here today. why you troll around here i don't know. nothing better for you to do, i guess.

mimi, you want israel to recognize a palestinian right of return when the PA doesn't even recognize israel? you think that's fair?

grandkids don't get to return. no refugee on the planet has that right. and when you're willing to allow a jewish right of return into all the arab countries they were kicked out of, then you might have a fair point.

it's stupid to not recognize a country. they are only hurting themselves. i can run around saying mexico is not a real country, but who am i really helping? no one. it's lame and foolish.

Davey Boy Smith #1 Fan- VACATION

Nothing happens overnight. It takes time for growth, as you can see Turkey, Egypt and Jordan have already signed peace treaties with Israel.

It is not easy for them to accept the Jewish State when they felt it to be an Arab country. But in time they will eventually accept Israel because it is Israel and that won't change.

Mr. Pitiful (was Gonzo)

becouse it is an occupation state that discriminate people baced on their race.

mark

Israel so far care less about legal recognition by most countries. Recognition and occupation do not go to gather. Israel want to keep occupying territories which was never part of Israel.

ÃÃ… MÃ…N â˜º â˜»

does it really matter what they think to jews? i thought they werent concerned with the thoughts of arab countries, i think its because on the world map, palestine is not shown as a seperate state

Pastor Art

1400 years of hate.

Bosco

Because they are sovereign states and they do not wish to. There exists under international law no obligation to recognize another government. The U.S. did not recognize the U.S.S.R. until 1933 and China until 1972. Only Pakistan recognized the Taliban government of Afghanistan. In fact,most Arab states regard Israel the same way most western states regarded the Taliban,that is as a terrorist state or rogue government. I hope that answers your question.

From the Lebanon

Cause they are Zionist and up to no good it is as clear as the bright blue sky, their tyranny will come to an end, they took a heavy blow last summer, if the Jewish people do not rise up against Zionism, they will lose everything they worked for all their lives just like the BORA in South Africa, TYRANNY never lasts, remember the Berlin wall it fell, this wall they built will fall Even HARDER!!!!!

Mimi- Ù…ÙŠÙ…ÙŠ - ×ž×™×ž×™

Duke of Tudor,
why do you really care if they recognize it or not? It is on the map and the whole world knows that. Whether they recognize it or not, it is there and nothing will remove it. I just want to see the Israelis recognize the right of return Palestinian refugees to the home land of their grandparents and the grandparents of their grandparents.

Peace

Shay P,
Israel will not what?

Hopeless,
they have to accept the right of return of the Palestinians whose grandparents lived in Palestine first and then accept the right for those who didn't have relatives living their.
I find it so strage when they say the Israel right of "return" those people have never lived in Israel and their relatives have never lived in Israle but yet they say we have the right return. How can you return to a place that you haven't been too. So silly right?

Peace

Michael J,
you say the decendants of the Palestinians left 60 years ago have no claim because many of them weren't born in Israel/Palestine. Yes it is 60 years and it is not so long time ago. However the Jews claim the ownership of the land and the right of return because some Jews lived their like thousand of years ago. So now you tell me, who has more right of return, a person whose relatives lived in the country 60 years ago or a persons whose relatives marely relatives) lived in the country 1000 years ago???

I never denied the right of Israel to exist but I am so against the Idea that the Jews who already have countries and are really welthy have the right to "return" to a country they merly belong to and those whose grandaperents lost their homes and are discriminated against everyday and have all the right to return to their grandparents homes don't have the right of return..

C.J.

It was created against the Geneva Convention and all other lawful documentation on countries, its illegal, it has nothing to do with Muslims besides the fact that Palestine had a high Muslim population. Its because it politically doesn't have the right to exist there, pick anywhere else to make a Jewish state fine, just make sure its empty and its done without such oppression

Shay p

Israel could care less if they do or didn't
The world does and that what's important
THOUGH IT WOULD HELP

Egypt Jordan do !!

MIMI
Israel will not
For it's their land
Nothing to do with Islam, nothing to do with Mohamed
Forget it before (mark my words) a terrible end will come

linda

you answered your own question, because they are Muslim

diana

because they think that this is their land - WRONG

Maya

Perhaps the unbridled hatred jews manifest for Arab people may have something to do with it. It has nothing to do with religion. Turkey is not an Arab state. Nor is Afghanistan. Even after 9/11 American jews dragged their heels on an invasion of Afhganistan; the jewish neocons around Bush wanted him to go straight for Iraq,then Syria,then Iran. They are apparently willing to let Saudi Arabia wait until the next fundamentalist administration. Do you think Arabs are fools? Of course they recognize an enemy in their midst. They should never have signed a truce in 1951; they should have kept up the war in Palestine until the enemy was defeated and the Palestinians were established as an independent government. That mess could have been over by 1960 at the latest. Then we wouldn't have to worry about the nuclear arsenal at Dimona in the Negev desert. Those weapons of mass destruction will probably be the conclusion of humanity one of these days. They don't call it the Sampson Project without reason. If the jews feel they are at risk for defeat their policy is to take eveyone with them.

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