Pipes / Lipstadt debates

Submitted by J Schamroth (Israel), Aug 5, 2005 at 09:18

I am reminded of Deborah Lipstadt (who successfully defended herself against a libel claim by Holocaust denier David Irving).

Over many years, Deborah consistantly refused to engage in debates with Holocaust deniers, since, in doing so, she felt she would be giving some degree of legitimacy to the opposing opinion. Her highly principled stand has generally been lauded.

Similarly, I am pleased to see that Mr Pipes has taken a similar stand.

Now, if only the politicians would have done likewise... Remember those photo-ops with Yassir Arafat and his ilk? Politicians eagerly shaking hands with Saddam Hussein or his cronies? Politicians sitting down to tea with the likes of Assad, the Syrian leader?

Unless the West finds political leaders that know how to identify and how to deal with a wily enemy, the so-called 'war on terrorism' cannot be won. Pampering up to them is surely the first step in one's own defeat.

---

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".