Let's say it again-nationalist democracy Like it or not-we Americans seem obsessed with the Israeli situation. Before we can find a solution-we better understand the problem. One pet-peeve of mine is that there are some who frame the debate as Israel being a proxy for the United States-a liberal democratic beacon of freedom amidst heathen Araby. Well, the heathen Araby is probably correct-but I don't believe Israel is a liberal democracy. It is a nationalist democracy, and this story proves it to me. For those without LA Times registration:

The government of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has endorsed a proposed law that would allow Jews to bar Arab citizens of Israel from purchasing homes or living in many Israeli communities, a move that has touched off a divisive national debate. The attempt to legalize "Jews-only" towns was swiftly criticized by numerous Israeli politicians and human rights groups, who said it was a discriminatory and racist proposal. Supporters praised the bill for protecting what they called the essence of Zionism.

Personally-I accept the right of Israelis to create their own polity. I agree that Israel is far more similar to the United States than any Arab state. But, I think perhaps some Americans minimize differences when they think that the only thing that separates Israeli values from American values is the enforcement of kosher.