KING JESUS IS COMING FOR US ANY TIME NOW. THE RAPTURE. BE PREPARED TO GO.
Are the Turkey protests the latest chapter in the “Arab Spring”?
“It’s a civil protest triggered by a number of factors, including an attempt to Islamise the country and growing authoritarianism. It is another warning sign which Europe needs to take very seriously.”
The West wanted to export democracy but now it finds itself helpless in the face of the massacre going on in Syria…
“The crucial thing is to listen: Bishops in the Middle East are against armed intervention and believe that we Westerners have not been correctly informed about the so-called “rebels”, many of whom belong to fundamentalist groups. Of course the serious differences dividing Shiite and Sunni Muslims in that entire area are clear for everyone to see.”
Why do the Christians in these countries often miss the old regimes?
“Because they had always been guaranteed freedom and protection under these authoritarian regimes. But this does not justify dictatorships and the atrocities they commit. But we Westerners must resist the temptation to just chat about this in sitting rooms over a cup of tea, thinking we can make judgements about situations we know largely nothing about. “Exporting democracy” is an unrealistic choice. What is needed is more time, patience and a different conception of relations between these people and Europe.”
Why is Europe standing by and watching when Western Christians have lost their voice?
“Europe’s civil society and our Churches are tired and old. And it’s understandable: we have the weight of centuries of complex situations and issues on our shoulders. We don’t like to admit it but Europe is facing a decline. What we need is a new synthesis. Providence has given us a big wake up call with the new Pope who is proposing we start over, going right back to our basic experience as human beings. Europe’s Churches need to find the courage to see this as a starting point.”
How do you view the relationship between secular society and religions?
“As Christians we do not expect any special treatment. But this does not mean institutional powers should neutralise religions and cultures creating a sort of no man’s land. Positive neutrality needs to be shown when dealing with religions and cultures. Both are of a public nature and must be able to express this nature and to compare themselves with other visions of reality, in view of achieving mutual recognition.”
Some say Christians have their own ideas about family and others should be free to stick by their own beliefs.
“Of course” But if that means we Christians are deprived of the chance to have our say on such subjects, then that is very wrong. If I am convinced that a family based on marriage between a man and a woman and open to life is good for society and I don’t share this vision, then I deprive society of something. This is of primary importance and yet it is not understood. And attempts to neutralise certain principles that are essential to Christians, show a lack of understanding of the dynamism of a pluralistic society. In order for efficient lawmaking to take place, moderate but consistent comparisons are paramount.”
There is constant talk about the recognition of same-sex unions…
“To guarantee individual rights to everyone is one thing. To attack the family either directly or indirectly is quite another.”
Don’t you think that in politics Christians have only focused on certain “non negotiable” values, neglecting others?
“Principles have an order of importance: Human vision comes first and then social life which derives from this. But even St. Thomas said goods are meant for everyone, so all of these goods, even private ones are on loan. If I am a just person, when I decide to buy something, I cannot ignore the problem of hunger in the world. Europeans need to rethink the complex topic of finance in relation to production. We have looked at the relationship between ethics and politics but not the relationship between economics and politics. We allow ourselves to be subjected to the whims of the market as if it were a natural necessity and not a cultural thing.”
What are your impressions of the first three months of Francis’ pontificate?
“I am impressed by the strength of his testimony, by his lifestyle and by the way he is with people. I think this is a great gift. He also seems to be aware of the importance of decision-making and is able to take decisions.”
What about the Pope’s explosive speech to the Italian Episcopal Conference? Don’t you think it was underrated?
“Francis represents a powerful provocation for all faithful and bishops are above all faithful. Providence has given us this wake up call. Each one of us is trying to follow the Pope in our own personal way. It’ll take some time…”
The Pope has spoken against the sickness of self-referentiality, inviting us to come out of ourselves…
“This is a serious problem. We really are too self-referential on all levels. Since last October we have been working on new pastoral project titled “Il campo è il mondo” (The field is the world) because we realise that the great vitality present in our communities often finds us self-occupied. We are busy with so many initiatives but we are not always able to be true witnesses. But going out does not mean creating neutral spaces, it means testifying that Jesus is the good news for today’s humanity, for the difficulty it has to love, for the hurt caused by relationships, for the demographic freeze we are faced with, for the inability to build justice and create work for young people and for the superficial reasoning seen in politics.”
What do you think of Francis’ call for a poor Church?
“The reason our Churches are not poor is because of our complex history: just think of the importance attributed to bureaucracy in the Church’s various bodies. Poverty implies a balance between the means and an end. Church life needs to go back to basics, it needs to be sober and focused on proclaiming the Gospel, leaving aside all that is superfluous.”
What do you think of the Pope’s decision to appoint eight cardinal advisors?
“Benedict XVI’s prophetic resignation was also a wake up call: One man alone cannot deal with a task of such monumental importance. In the pre-Conclave discussions we decided – without wishing to undermine the Pope’s primacy – that it would be opportune for the new Pope to find new ways of leading the Church. The creation of this group is a positive thing and I think other moves could be taken in this direction.”
How do you perceive Christian-Muslim relations ten years on from the foundation of the “Oasis” foundation?
““Oasis” was founded because we realised there was a substantial mutual ignorance in terms of the two faiths. Ignorance causes fear to grow and hinders people from being able to interpret the processes that take place throughout history. We cannot stop these but we can try to influence their direction. The most rewarding experience was bringing a hundred or so Christian and Muslim figures together. They learnt to get to know one another, respect each other and reason together. We realised we had to create a common heritage without oversimplifying problems or cancelling out differences.”
By Maayana Miskin-First Publish: 6/18/2013, 4:30 PM-Israelnationalnews
MK Yoni Chetboun of the Bayit Yehudi (Jewish Home) faction expressed
strong concern Monday night over the direction of Israeli schools.Chetboun used his speaking time during a debate on the 2013 budget to warn that Israel is forgetting to pass its values on to the next generation.“Teachers are afraid to talk about Zionism, about tradition and love of the homeland. It’s not fashionable,” he declared.While there is an aggressive campaign to get a secular “core curriculum” into all state-funded schools, other core topics are being neglected, he warned.“The formula is simple, whoever does not teach English, physics and
math will not get funding, because he is not teaching core values. Are
these the nation of Israel’s core subjects?” Chetboun asked.He answered his own question, “Jewish values, the Torah, these are
core subjects, the heart of the nation of Israel. Otherwise what are we
doing here, instead of in Uganda?”“A country that denies its source loses itself,” he warned. He added
that statements like those in the 2013 budget law regarding core
curriculum “put us on the slippery slope toward ‘a state of all its
citizens’” rather than a Jewish state.
“We must tell the truth, and put the issues on the table. The world talks about pushing off retirement age, the Jewish state is likely to retire at age 65,” he added.The budget will be approved in the first hearing, he concluded, but MKs must fight in the various committee meetings set to follow to keep the “Jewish heart” in the state budget.
By Alexei Anishchuk | Reuters – 1 hr 7 mins ago JUNE 18,13
"You're close to a seven to one position on Syria and clearly Putin doesn't hold back with his views," a source familiar with the talks said.Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, speaking on the summit sidelines, said Russia had refused to accept any mention of Assad's fate in the communique."This would be not just unacceptable for the Russian side, but we are convinced that it would be utterly wrong, harmful and would completely upset the political balance," Ryabkov said.Russia has been Assad's most powerful supporter as his force struggle to crush an uprising in which 93,000 people have been killed since March 2011. He can also count on backing from Iran.The United States, Turkey, and European and Gulf Arab states support the rebels, who have lost ground to Assad's troops in recent weeks.Russia and the United States agree the warring sides should be brought together to discuss Syria's future at a peace conference as soon as July. But its timing was under question and one source said it would be delayed until August.
Obama and his allies want Assad to cede power while Putin, whose rhetoric has become increasingly anti-Western since his re-election last year, believes that would be disastrous at a time when there is no clear transition plan.Putin's isolation at the G8 may damage perceptions of Russia but for Putin himself it would be a chance to portray himself as a strongman who can stand up to a bullying West - an image certain to please the domestic audience.He appeared tense on the first day and has faced a barrage of criticism over his Syria stance. Canada's Stephen Harper accused him of supporting "thugs" in Damascus. His meeting with Obama was frosty and both men looked uncomfortable.Obama could offer Putin several incentives to change his mind but it was unclear what exactly was on the table as talks continued behind closed doors at the G8 venue.
COMPROMISE STILL POSSIBLE?
One area of compromise could be for the West to ease back on its proposals to arm the Syrian rebels or push for no-fly zones, which Russia opposes.Syria is one of Russia's last bastions of support in the Middle East and the Russian navy has a vital base at the Mediterranean port of Tartus.However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday the Syrian opposition must not set preconditions for attending the proposed peace conference, suggesting sticking points remained.Renewed diplomatic tension over Syria stems from last week's decision by the United States to step up military aid to the rebels, including automatic weapons, light mortars and rocket-propelled grenades.British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is chairing the summit, will also move the conversation on to taxation and how global powers can help close international loopholes.Cameron has been stung by revelations that the likes of Google and Starbucks have sharply cut their corporate tax bills in Britain using legal loopholes.Last week he sought to turn up the pressure on other rich economies by pressing Britain's overseas tax havens into a transparency deal and announcing new disclosure rules for British firms.(Additional reporting by Andrew Osborn, William Schomberg, Guy Faulconbridge, Roberta Rampton, Alexei Anishchuk and Jeff Mason in Enniskillen; Writing by Maria Golovnina; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
PERES IS A NEW WORLD ORDER BELIEVER.
By | Associated Press – 3 hrs ago JUNE 18,13
06/16/2013 VATICAN INSIDER
Scola warns against European decline as Church and society grow old and tired
Cardinal Angelo Scola
The Archbishop of Milan, Angelo Scola, says the Pope is thankfully doing something about this
ANDREA TORNIELLI Milan “Europe is facing a decline; its civil society and Churches are tired and old. We have to radically rethink ourselves,” Milan’s archbishop, Cardinal Angelo Scola told Italian newspaper La Stampa in an interview ahead of the Oasis meeting on religious freedom, State secularism and Francis’ focus on the importance of poverty in the Church. The meeting took place in Milan and ended today.Are the Turkey protests the latest chapter in the “Arab Spring”?
“It’s a civil protest triggered by a number of factors, including an attempt to Islamise the country and growing authoritarianism. It is another warning sign which Europe needs to take very seriously.”
The West wanted to export democracy but now it finds itself helpless in the face of the massacre going on in Syria…
“The crucial thing is to listen: Bishops in the Middle East are against armed intervention and believe that we Westerners have not been correctly informed about the so-called “rebels”, many of whom belong to fundamentalist groups. Of course the serious differences dividing Shiite and Sunni Muslims in that entire area are clear for everyone to see.”
Why do the Christians in these countries often miss the old regimes?
“Because they had always been guaranteed freedom and protection under these authoritarian regimes. But this does not justify dictatorships and the atrocities they commit. But we Westerners must resist the temptation to just chat about this in sitting rooms over a cup of tea, thinking we can make judgements about situations we know largely nothing about. “Exporting democracy” is an unrealistic choice. What is needed is more time, patience and a different conception of relations between these people and Europe.”
Why is Europe standing by and watching when Western Christians have lost their voice?
“Europe’s civil society and our Churches are tired and old. And it’s understandable: we have the weight of centuries of complex situations and issues on our shoulders. We don’t like to admit it but Europe is facing a decline. What we need is a new synthesis. Providence has given us a big wake up call with the new Pope who is proposing we start over, going right back to our basic experience as human beings. Europe’s Churches need to find the courage to see this as a starting point.”
How do you view the relationship between secular society and religions?
“As Christians we do not expect any special treatment. But this does not mean institutional powers should neutralise religions and cultures creating a sort of no man’s land. Positive neutrality needs to be shown when dealing with religions and cultures. Both are of a public nature and must be able to express this nature and to compare themselves with other visions of reality, in view of achieving mutual recognition.”
Some say Christians have their own ideas about family and others should be free to stick by their own beliefs.
“Of course” But if that means we Christians are deprived of the chance to have our say on such subjects, then that is very wrong. If I am convinced that a family based on marriage between a man and a woman and open to life is good for society and I don’t share this vision, then I deprive society of something. This is of primary importance and yet it is not understood. And attempts to neutralise certain principles that are essential to Christians, show a lack of understanding of the dynamism of a pluralistic society. In order for efficient lawmaking to take place, moderate but consistent comparisons are paramount.”
There is constant talk about the recognition of same-sex unions…
“To guarantee individual rights to everyone is one thing. To attack the family either directly or indirectly is quite another.”
Don’t you think that in politics Christians have only focused on certain “non negotiable” values, neglecting others?
“Principles have an order of importance: Human vision comes first and then social life which derives from this. But even St. Thomas said goods are meant for everyone, so all of these goods, even private ones are on loan. If I am a just person, when I decide to buy something, I cannot ignore the problem of hunger in the world. Europeans need to rethink the complex topic of finance in relation to production. We have looked at the relationship between ethics and politics but not the relationship between economics and politics. We allow ourselves to be subjected to the whims of the market as if it were a natural necessity and not a cultural thing.”
What are your impressions of the first three months of Francis’ pontificate?
“I am impressed by the strength of his testimony, by his lifestyle and by the way he is with people. I think this is a great gift. He also seems to be aware of the importance of decision-making and is able to take decisions.”
What about the Pope’s explosive speech to the Italian Episcopal Conference? Don’t you think it was underrated?
“Francis represents a powerful provocation for all faithful and bishops are above all faithful. Providence has given us this wake up call. Each one of us is trying to follow the Pope in our own personal way. It’ll take some time…”
The Pope has spoken against the sickness of self-referentiality, inviting us to come out of ourselves…
“This is a serious problem. We really are too self-referential on all levels. Since last October we have been working on new pastoral project titled “Il campo è il mondo” (The field is the world) because we realise that the great vitality present in our communities often finds us self-occupied. We are busy with so many initiatives but we are not always able to be true witnesses. But going out does not mean creating neutral spaces, it means testifying that Jesus is the good news for today’s humanity, for the difficulty it has to love, for the hurt caused by relationships, for the demographic freeze we are faced with, for the inability to build justice and create work for young people and for the superficial reasoning seen in politics.”
What do you think of Francis’ call for a poor Church?
“The reason our Churches are not poor is because of our complex history: just think of the importance attributed to bureaucracy in the Church’s various bodies. Poverty implies a balance between the means and an end. Church life needs to go back to basics, it needs to be sober and focused on proclaiming the Gospel, leaving aside all that is superfluous.”
What do you think of the Pope’s decision to appoint eight cardinal advisors?
“Benedict XVI’s prophetic resignation was also a wake up call: One man alone cannot deal with a task of such monumental importance. In the pre-Conclave discussions we decided – without wishing to undermine the Pope’s primacy – that it would be opportune for the new Pope to find new ways of leading the Church. The creation of this group is a positive thing and I think other moves could be taken in this direction.”
How do you perceive Christian-Muslim relations ten years on from the foundation of the “Oasis” foundation?
““Oasis” was founded because we realised there was a substantial mutual ignorance in terms of the two faiths. Ignorance causes fear to grow and hinders people from being able to interpret the processes that take place throughout history. We cannot stop these but we can try to influence their direction. The most rewarding experience was bringing a hundred or so Christian and Muslim figures together. They learnt to get to know one another, respect each other and reason together. We realised we had to create a common heritage without oversimplifying problems or cancelling out differences.”
MK: Jewish Values are Israel’s ‘Core Curriculum’
MK Chetboun wonders why the government is pushing English and math, but not Jewish values, Torah and Zionism.
MK Yoni Chetboun-Israel news photo: Flash 90
“We must tell the truth, and put the issues on the table. The world talks about pushing off retirement age, the Jewish state is likely to retire at age 65,” he added.The budget will be approved in the first hearing, he concluded, but MKs must fight in the various committee meetings set to follow to keep the “Jewish heart” in the state budget.
Putin locks horns with West over Syria at G8 summit
By Alexei Anishchuk | Reuters – 1 hr 7 mins ago JUNE 18,13
By Alexei Anishchuk
ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin clashed with other world leaders over the civil war in Syria at a tense G8 summit, blocking any mention of the fate of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad from a final communique to be issued on Tuesday.Isolated at the G8, Putin resisted attempts by other world leaders including U.S. President Barack Obama to get him to agree to anything that would imply Assad should step down or that Russia should tone down its support for Assad.Western powers tried to hash out a statement with teeth on Syria
that all G8 leaders could agree on, though sources indicated that Putin
resisted. The G8 is likely to issue a statement but it was unclear what
it would contain."You're close to a seven to one position on Syria and clearly Putin doesn't hold back with his views," a source familiar with the talks said.Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, speaking on the summit sidelines, said Russia had refused to accept any mention of Assad's fate in the communique."This would be not just unacceptable for the Russian side, but we are convinced that it would be utterly wrong, harmful and would completely upset the political balance," Ryabkov said.Russia has been Assad's most powerful supporter as his force struggle to crush an uprising in which 93,000 people have been killed since March 2011. He can also count on backing from Iran.The United States, Turkey, and European and Gulf Arab states support the rebels, who have lost ground to Assad's troops in recent weeks.Russia and the United States agree the warring sides should be brought together to discuss Syria's future at a peace conference as soon as July. But its timing was under question and one source said it would be delayed until August.
Obama and his allies want Assad to cede power while Putin, whose rhetoric has become increasingly anti-Western since his re-election last year, believes that would be disastrous at a time when there is no clear transition plan.Putin's isolation at the G8 may damage perceptions of Russia but for Putin himself it would be a chance to portray himself as a strongman who can stand up to a bullying West - an image certain to please the domestic audience.He appeared tense on the first day and has faced a barrage of criticism over his Syria stance. Canada's Stephen Harper accused him of supporting "thugs" in Damascus. His meeting with Obama was frosty and both men looked uncomfortable.Obama could offer Putin several incentives to change his mind but it was unclear what exactly was on the table as talks continued behind closed doors at the G8 venue.
COMPROMISE STILL POSSIBLE?
One area of compromise could be for the West to ease back on its proposals to arm the Syrian rebels or push for no-fly zones, which Russia opposes.Syria is one of Russia's last bastions of support in the Middle East and the Russian navy has a vital base at the Mediterranean port of Tartus.However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday the Syrian opposition must not set preconditions for attending the proposed peace conference, suggesting sticking points remained.Renewed diplomatic tension over Syria stems from last week's decision by the United States to step up military aid to the rebels, including automatic weapons, light mortars and rocket-propelled grenades.British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is chairing the summit, will also move the conversation on to taxation and how global powers can help close international loopholes.Cameron has been stung by revelations that the likes of Google and Starbucks have sharply cut their corporate tax bills in Britain using legal loopholes.Last week he sought to turn up the pressure on other rich economies by pressing Britain's overseas tax havens into a transparency deal and announcing new disclosure rules for British firms.(Additional reporting by Andrew Osborn, William Schomberg, Guy Faulconbridge, Roberta Rampton, Alexei Anishchuk and Jeff Mason in Enniskillen; Writing by Maria Golovnina; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
PERES IS A NEW WORLD ORDER BELIEVER.
AP Interview: Peres, at 90, still going strong
By | Associated Press – 3 hrs ago JUNE 18,13- View PhotoAssociated Press/Sebastian Scheiner - In this photo taken Sunday, June 16, 2013, Israel's President Shimon Peres, is seen during an interview with The Associated Press at the President's residence in Jerusalem.
JERUSALEM (AP) — As Shimon Peres
turns 90, the indefatigable Israeli president is doing what he has
always done: looking ahead, preparing for the next challenge and
believing that he will see Middle East peace in his lifetime.Old age has hardly slowed him
down. If anything, it seems to have handed Peres a measure of the grace
that eluded him as a younger man. And at a time when Israel
is widely criticized for its ongoing occupation and continued
settlement of war-won land, he operates as something of a one-man
reminder that the country once aimed — in its 1948 Declaration of
Independence — to be a "light unto the nations.""For me, what is important is tomorrow, the next day. What happened
until now is over, unchangeable. I'm not going to spend time on it. So I
am really living in the future," said Peres in an interview with The
AP. "I really think that one should devote his energies to make the
world better and not to make the past remembered better."Peres seemed energetic and spiffy in a dark suit and purple tie as he
sat in his office, whose book-lined shelves include three devoted
entirely to his own works, in Hebrew and myriad translations. The
mention of old age seemed to deeply startle him, as did any notion of
retirement or even vacation, which he dismissed as a "waste of time."On Tuesday, Peres launches a three-day event called the "President's
Conference" — an annual gathering of artists, thinkers and leaders whose
global guest list reflects an extraordinary profile on the world stage:
More than any other prominent Israeli politician he seems to largely be
forgiven for his country's extremely messy conflict with the
Palestinians.A politician of astounding longevity — he was a young aide to the country's founding father David Ben-Gurion
at the time of independence in 1948 and a top defense official in the
1950s — Peres has nonetheless been strangely unsuccessful for much of
his career. Despite having slipped into the prime minister's post three
times over the years, each tenure was short-lived. He never won an
election outright, losing outright four times and tying once, earning a
reputation as a grasping manipulator who was also a bit of a schlemiel.His propensity for aphorism — "You can make omelets out of eggs, but
not eggs out of omelets!" — has befuddled many a campaign crowd. And the
distinctive cadence, which to this day betrays his Polish roots, is
still a mimic's delight. An unbending belief in peace has been taken by
many Israelis as dangerous naivete. And it is ironic as well: Peres was
once something of a security hawk, and he is widely credited with
engineering, a half century ago, Israel's status as a nuclear power.It took a meltdown by his
predecessor in the mostly ceremonial president's role for Peres to
finally win the recognition he had coveted for so many years. Caught up
in a devastating sex scandal, Moshe Katsav
was forced to step down in 2007 to face rape charges. Seeking to
stabilize the cherished institution, parliament turned to Peres and
elected him president. Katsav was convicted and is now in prison.Peres, 83 at the time, seemed to benefit simply by not being the
tongue-tied Katsav. Statesmanlike and serious, supposedly above politics
in his new role, his popularity skyrocketed among Israelis at last.
Peres has used the presidency to speak out as a voice of reason on political affairs, cautioning political leaders against attacking Iran's nuclear program last summer, and packaging himself as a lovable grandfatherly figure. He has embraced Facebook and frequently meets with children and young Israelis.
"Shimon Peres has undergone a miraculous transformation which almost all politicians in the world would love to experience," said Israeli historian Tom Segev. "For most of his public life, he was the most hated politician in Israel. He was the symbol of petty, dirty politics. Since he became president almost all of a sudden his people began to love him. It's almost like a fairy tale."Peres attributed the stunning turnaround to the power of the presidency. Freed from the constraints of political intrigue, "all of a sudden I discovered I don't need power. ... But if (the people) think that I came to serve, they will trust (me) and I could have achieved many things that maybe in the government I wouldn't be able to do."A poll in March published by the Haaretz daily showed Peres with a 74 percent approval rating, far ahead of conservative Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at 48 percent. The poll, conducted by the Dialog agency, questioned 473 people and had a margin of error of 4.6 percentage points.On the international front, Peres probably benefits similarly by not being Netanyahu. Now in his third term, Netanyahu is seen as a peace skeptic with a hard edge, and a world eager to put the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to bed generally does not admire his continued building of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.Peres is the Israeli leader many in the world would far prefer: conciliatory, philosophical and seemingly amenable. He never tires of the promotion of peace and seems genuinely driven by a vision of a better world.During the interview, Peres declined to criticize Netanyahu directly, noting that Netanyahu has in principle accepted the "two-state solution" but allowing that he would like progress toward the establishment of a Palestinian state to be "faster." Negotiations are currently on hold — as they have been, mostly, since Netanyahu's return to office in 2009, with the Palestinians insisting in vain on a settlement freeze and Israel refusing "preconditions."Peres seems at pains to not betray frustration the government's policies, including its apparent ignoring of the recently-reissued Arab League initiative offering regional peace in exchange for a pullout from the land Israel captured in the 1967 war. He noted that the offer was at least not rejected outright.Peres said that despite all the failures in peace efforts over the years, he looks at the successes: a historic agreement with Egypt in 1979, peace with Jordan in 1994 and interim accords with the Palestinians in the 1990s."That gives me the license to be an optimist, and I would never give up this license," he said. "I'm sure I shall see peace in my lifetime. Even if I should have to extend my life for a year or two, I won't hesitate."Yossi Beilin, a former protege who served as Peres' deputy at the Foreign Ministry in the 1990s, said the move into the presidency was "a very important strategic decision" for his onetime mentor. "I think he is enjoying very much, for the first time in his life, a situation where everybody likes him ... This is his retirement."
Peres has used the presidency to speak out as a voice of reason on political affairs, cautioning political leaders against attacking Iran's nuclear program last summer, and packaging himself as a lovable grandfatherly figure. He has embraced Facebook and frequently meets with children and young Israelis.
"Shimon Peres has undergone a miraculous transformation which almost all politicians in the world would love to experience," said Israeli historian Tom Segev. "For most of his public life, he was the most hated politician in Israel. He was the symbol of petty, dirty politics. Since he became president almost all of a sudden his people began to love him. It's almost like a fairy tale."Peres attributed the stunning turnaround to the power of the presidency. Freed from the constraints of political intrigue, "all of a sudden I discovered I don't need power. ... But if (the people) think that I came to serve, they will trust (me) and I could have achieved many things that maybe in the government I wouldn't be able to do."A poll in March published by the Haaretz daily showed Peres with a 74 percent approval rating, far ahead of conservative Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at 48 percent. The poll, conducted by the Dialog agency, questioned 473 people and had a margin of error of 4.6 percentage points.On the international front, Peres probably benefits similarly by not being Netanyahu. Now in his third term, Netanyahu is seen as a peace skeptic with a hard edge, and a world eager to put the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to bed generally does not admire his continued building of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.Peres is the Israeli leader many in the world would far prefer: conciliatory, philosophical and seemingly amenable. He never tires of the promotion of peace and seems genuinely driven by a vision of a better world.During the interview, Peres declined to criticize Netanyahu directly, noting that Netanyahu has in principle accepted the "two-state solution" but allowing that he would like progress toward the establishment of a Palestinian state to be "faster." Negotiations are currently on hold — as they have been, mostly, since Netanyahu's return to office in 2009, with the Palestinians insisting in vain on a settlement freeze and Israel refusing "preconditions."Peres seems at pains to not betray frustration the government's policies, including its apparent ignoring of the recently-reissued Arab League initiative offering regional peace in exchange for a pullout from the land Israel captured in the 1967 war. He noted that the offer was at least not rejected outright.Peres said that despite all the failures in peace efforts over the years, he looks at the successes: a historic agreement with Egypt in 1979, peace with Jordan in 1994 and interim accords with the Palestinians in the 1990s."That gives me the license to be an optimist, and I would never give up this license," he said. "I'm sure I shall see peace in my lifetime. Even if I should have to extend my life for a year or two, I won't hesitate."Yossi Beilin, a former protege who served as Peres' deputy at the Foreign Ministry in the 1990s, said the move into the presidency was "a very important strategic decision" for his onetime mentor. "I think he is enjoying very much, for the first time in his life, a situation where everybody likes him ... This is his retirement."
Peres has become a fixture at a variety of annual international
events like the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, showing up
each year to a kind of reverent acclaim enjoyed by only a tiny handful
in the world.This year he was awarded the central onstage interview with Davos
founder Klaus Schwab, who respectfully queried him on subjects as
diverse as the Arab Spring and the nature of the modern multinational
corporation. Last summer at the similar Ambrosetti Forum in Italy, Peres
held an audience of high-powered officials and businesspeople rapt with
his musings on the workings of the human brain.In Jordan last month, Peres was
enthusiastically received by clapping, whistling business leaders from
around the Arab world. His call for new peace talks drew several
standing ovations from an audience of 2,000 that included U.S. Secretary
of State John Kerry, Jordan's King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
"He is a man of peace," said Palestinian business tycoon Munib Masri,
who was in the crowd. "People see him that way and like him for that."
He then embraced King Abdullah, tapped him on the shoulder as both
exchanged smiles and warm greetings.Back home, some criticized him for pushing the limits of what is
supposed to be an apolitical office. "I didn't know that Peres became
the government spokesman," said Cabinet minister Yuval Steinitz.The birthday celebrations have also come under fire for extravagant spending, including a $500,000 fee for an appearance by Bill Clinton
at a college, and a $3 million budget for the conference itself.
Organizers have said the funding has come from private donations, not
public money. Clinton subsequently donated his speaking fee back to the
Peres Academic Center, the college where he spoke, for student
scholarships.But Peres seems to be revered by his staff. His chief of staff, Efrat
Duvdevani, sparked a debate at home this week by leaving her hospital
room, hours after giving birth, to return to work ahead of the
conference.Peres established the conference soon after taking office as
president in 2008 as a sort of mini-Davos, attracting top scientists,
philosophers and business leaders. It is an ambition that is hard to
imagine elsewhere, or being attempted by any successor.Yet it works: This year's guest list includes Clinton, Tony Blair,
Rahm Emanuel, and Larry Summers — as well as Robert DeNiro, Sharon
Stone and Barbra Streisand. The gathering is also serving as a birthday
party for Peres, who turns 90 in August.Peres seemed pleased and embarrassed when asked about the unlikely
rock-star status he has cultivated late in life. "I think it's a
God-sent opportunity for a human being like myself to have the occasion
to serve the people sincerely with love and hope," he said.With just one year left in his presidency, Peres rules out running
for elected office but says he has no plans to retire and will search
for new ways to serve the people — and also to spread "tranquility"
around the world."I am not running for anything and I am not running away from
anything," he said. "I am trying where I can to be a unifier, to unite.
When I have to voice my view I do, and I shall continue to do it."___Dan Perry has covered the Mideast since the 1990s and currently leads
AP's coverage in the region. Follow him at twitter.com/perry_dan Josef Federman is the Associated Press News Editor for Israel and the
Palestinian territories. Follow him at twitter.com/joseffederman.___Associated Press writer Max J. Rosenthal contributed to this report.
