This Might Not Be A World War, But It Still Needs A Sense Of Urgency

The Telegraph (UK) ^ | 7-23-2006 | Niall Ferguson

[goldstategop]

Arnon Sofer's demographics are wrong. Israel is not being out-bred by Arabs - to the contrary, the Arabs are blowing up the reproductive element of their society. They can replace them only so fast. A society that kills its child-bearing members has no real future. Israel does reproduce enough Jews to replace those lost to war and natural causes and I'm betting that a society that loves life will outlast a society that loves death. End of the debate.

(Go Israel, Go! Slap 'Em, Down Hezbullies.)

[C210N]

Any discussion of potential world war would make serious discussion of Iran's nuclear ambitions. This is not even mentioned in passing here.

[Chickensoup]

World wars dont start all at once.

This will be a World War of astounding proportions.

[proud American in Canada]

This crisis is not going to trigger another world war.

Well, I don't know, Mr. Ferguson, but it seems that a lot of really smart, knowledgeable people are concerned that it could.

Of course, you're a journalist, so you know better than all those idiots. /sarc

[Androcles]

Actually he's a historian. I don't agree with him wholly on this or much else but at least he puts some thought into it which few journos do.

[ClaireSolt]

Also, when they registered the Palestinians to vote they found out there were only about 1/4 the number they had thought. Now they are saying 1m instead of 5m.

Now, when prey tell has diplomacy stopped sectarian strife? And, how much of it is Iranian mischief?

[proud American in Canada]

Actually he's a historian.

Oh. :) *in my best some Seinfeld character voice, somebody pick which one :)* "Never mind". :)

I don't agree with him wholly on this or much else but at least he puts some thought into it which few journos do.

I really shouldn't jump in to these discussions. I was fixated at the beginning, and still am, but the beginning of the fighting occured at the beginning of my one short vacation at a newspaper (I'm a journalist, btw, LOL, but at a local weekly), and I just couldn't maintain the energy.

It's so complex and deep... I just haven't had the time/energy to study everything.

[Lurker]

Dear Mr. Ferguson.

It isn't the Third World War. It is in fact the Fourth World War.

Sincerely yours,

L

P.S. Oh and you're a wanker, too.

[Valin]

This crisis is not going to trigger another world war.

While it may not. This "crisis" has changed the middle east. For the 1st time I can recall we see one Arab nation criticizing another Arab nation when it involves Israel.

[proud American in Canada]

Re #9: LOL! Might as well use a derogatory term in his own idiom.

(reverts to small typeface b/c she has no idea... Okay, what other World War did I miss? Is it the public schooling? I did grow up in Illinois. I thought we had a pretty good educational system--it was a Chicago suburb. ???)

Man, I feel so freaking stupid. Every time I visit this place. :)

[proud American in Canada]

Hi, Valin! Long time no see. :)

Please see my post #11 for more input on what a complete idiot I am, LOL!

Take care. :)

(p.s., as for the substance of your post, that's pretty much what dirtboy said to me about a week ago. If I have it right. :) )

[rawcatslyentist]

There's only one continent that the slimes haven't attacked. It's only a matter of time till some imam koranus for brains declares a fatwah against the penguinfidels!

If it aint black and white.... peck scratch and bite!!

Bring It On Sheet for brains!

[Lurker]

The Cold War is often times referred to as World War III. It's just that there wasn't all that much shooting, at least not directly between us and the Soviets.

I know I know....Korea....Viet Nam...Dominican Republic...Grenada...

BTW this war started in 1979 and Iran fired the first shots.

L

[Inyo-Mono]

Bttt.

[Valin]

Oh I wouldn't say you're a complete idiot, but you have made a good start and we all have high hopes for you. :-)

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Kudos to Niall Ferguson for the title; the current conflicts are not a World War--yet.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Most statistics do show the Arab population of Israel growing faster than its Jewish one. Although many young men are blown up, they also have higher birthrates and larger families.

One of the reasons the Israelis are considering moving out of much of the West Bank (they've already moved out of Gaza) is to keep Israel's population largely Jewish.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

The Cold War was not a World War. Stating that it was could be belittling the real World Wars.

The Cold War could have been a global war (as was the Seven Years War, and others before World War 1), but it was not a World War.

[Lurker]

Says you. However, some relatives of mine who were participants in a couple of those 'minor police actions' would vigorously dispute your assertion.

L