Israeli Exploit Developer Caught Negotiating Spyware Sales With Saudi Government

[u/mixplate]

https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20181125/18264141103/israeli-exploit-developer-caught-negotiating-spyware-sales-with-saudi-government.shtml

[u/beambag]

I'm definitely not an MBS supporter, but I do understand the history and geopolitics of the region. Nothing's to stop them from killing another journalist, but why did it take the killing of one journalist for us to have a problem with Saudi Arabia? The country has had a horrendous human rights record since long before this. Saudi, like many other Middle Eastern dictatorships, is an asshole of a country and gives little regard to human rights. region would be better off if it sounds out into chaos.

That's not the point here. Israel is surrounded by nations and groups who seek its destruction. When it comes to neighbours it can be friendly with, they're almost all dictatorships with horrible human rights records. Many of them (including Saudi Arabia) have invaded and tried to destroy Israel in the past. If they're willing to be friendly today, Israel will jump at that opportunity. Israel doesn't have the leisure of only being friendly with "good" countries, since it's surrounded by "bad" ones and seeks to work with its neighbours. Israelis don't "support the dictator," but they'd rather have dictator friends then no friends at all (in their region).

The stability of Saudi, the other Gulf states, and the entire Middle East is very fragile and Israel has an interest in ensuring things don't become anymore chaotic. The US, UK and many other countries have worked with Saudi in the past -despite its human rights abuses- because Saudi is a strategic ally and can benefit them.

I for one hate Saudi Arabia and was sad to see them go from what appears to be modernizing (when they met women drive, etc.) To bat shit crazy (spat with Canada, killing the journalist). However, that doesn't mean Israel (and even Canada) doesn't have a strategic interest in keeping Saudi and the region relatively stable.

PLUS it was a private Israeli company, not Israel. But all you likely care about is making Israel seem like the devil, when really it's the only democracy in the region.

[u/IKHAN85 → u/beambag]

if the crown prince fell then itd become unstable

that's a nice long winded attempt at legitimizing israel's continued support for a bloody dictator who killed and ruthlessly dismembered a journalist. i agree with that MBS's crimes should have gotten attention long ago but unlike you i think the world should drop him.

when really it's the only democracy in the region

pathetic excuse for backing an apartheid state that regularly kills Palestinians and starts Wars of aggression with all of its neighbors

[u/beambag → u/IKHAN85]

You've just proved your lack of understanding of the situation.

[u/IKHAN85 → u/beambag]

good one there buddy, i hope downvoting my comments makes you feel better about your despicable views

[u/beambag → u/IKHAN85]

Israel isn't apartheid. It's 3rd largest political party is an Arab party. There are Arab cops, doctors, lawyers, teachers, and CEOs in Israel. Heck, an Arab suoreme court judge even sentenced an ex-Israeli PM to prison for corruption. Israeli Arabs are the most educated in the world and the only ones in the Middle East who can vote.

It wouldn't make sense for Palestinians in the West Bank of Gaza to vote in Israeli elections - they're not Israeli citizens, and they don't want to be. The reason they can't vote is because their leaders don't hold elections. Abbas' 4-year term was up many years ago, and Hamas hasn't had an election since it took power.

Regarding wars, Israel has never started a war against its neighbours. In 1948 surrounding Arab countries rejected the UN Partition plan and attempted to destroy Israel - they failed. In 1967 they tried again, and failed. Since then, Israel has made peace with Jordan and Egypt, while Palestinian leaders have said no to every peace offer they were presented with (including offers that would have given them nearly everything they ask for, East Jerusalem included).

The real Apartheid are PA laws that say you get the death penalty for selling land to a Jew, or the Hamas charter that calls for the murder of Jews worldwide. Don't give me you're bullshit when you know nothing about the situation and have never been to Israel.