Netanyahu, a Staunch World Leader

Wednesday evening, I took the time to listen to an interview of Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, by Larry King on CNN. I admire Netanyahu for the love which he has for his country and for his unqualified determination to ensure its survival in one of the world’s most incendiary regions.

His style and character remind me of great American leaders who, though different in personality, have guided us through hard times by marshalling our determination, courage, and willpower.

Below are a few of Netanyahu’s thoughts from the interview. They are self-explanatory and easily digestible. I remember him saying:

“Courage is the quality that supersedes all others.” Another was, “There is a difference between understanding [a problem] and effective action.” A book could be written on either of those.

In reference to the worldwide struggle to blunt the excesses of violent Jihad, he characterized the current conflict as one between “The forces of Medievalism and the forces of Modernity.”

When Larry King asked the man how he could possibly find time to relax with such a pressure-cooker job, this was Netanyahu’s reply: In Israel, everybody gets a day off – the Sabbath – and, he went on to explain, one of the best times of that day is the hour and a half which he spends with his son reading and discussing the Bible.

This man is purposeful, deliberate, and resolute – one who is much better to have as a friend than as a foe.

NOTE:  Photo by Fanpix.net