After our interesting discussion last class, the Pan-Arab
movement has been on my mind. I have yet to be convinced that it is a feasible
resolution to unify the Middle East, which is so segmented and complex. An
article titled, “Israel’s Innovation Formula” published today caught my eye. It
contains a few comments that were stated during an interview with Nava Swersky
Sofer, the founder and co-chair of NanoIsrael, about Israeli innovation and
their military.
Nava
explains that, “We have a cultural heritage of academic excellence. We also are
a small country with not many friends around us, and we managed to find the
only corner of the Middle East with no natural resources.” in response to
Israel’s recipe for success.
The first part about academic excellence seems to be true,
as well as the statement about not having many friendly neighbors. The portion
about natural resources refers to oil, I am assuming. I mention this because it
paints a picture that similarly reflects the perception of an ignorant
Westerner, which I found astonishing.
Nava continues to state that, “That
leaves you with brainpower and brainpower alone—and the determination to make
things work.” This is very interesting as it excluded to note the massive
military and financial aid the United States provides.
The second question Nava fielded
was, “On how the military helps business culture.” Nava states, “The military
takes people at the age they would normally go to university or college in the
U.S., and they spend time in compulsory military service. You find yourself
doing things at a very tender age that you wouldn't normally do at that age in
other countries. People grow up. People develop skill sets that they might
never develop.”
This is a fresh perspective. Using the military as a means
to facilitate personal growth and foster development before attending higher
education.
Nava
concludes her comment saying, “These are people who have learned
problem-solving skills, to think quickly on their feet, to work together as
teams. Typically, that takes time to learn in life.”
All of these skills are important in being successful in
business. It is a very positive way of looking at the role of serving a
mandatory term in the military prior to college. Overall, I found this article
to be highlight how Israel does not consider themselves to be a part of the
Middle East, they are independent, solidifying that the Pan-Arab movement would
not successful.
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