Re: [FT] New Israel - Re: National Differences (Long)

Izenberg, spake thusly upon matters weighty: 

> Finally having read the 'Official' FT history (and being mildly
shocked
> at the 2183 condition of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv) my interests lie (as
> might be expected) with New Israel, which I see little info about
(other
> than its enmity with the Islamics and occasional merc involvement -
> which, by the way, I don't think would be in national character)

Survival is a long-time Jewish characteristic. The Need for Strength 
is also an oft relearned lesson.

 after
> the development of the TK drive and establishment of the colony. I've
> begun thinking about developing the history of NI more, but don't want
> to retread anything that's already been done (officially or
otherwise).
> Following is a series of somewhat scattered thoughts about NI.
> 
> Two things I'm sure about - 
> 1) After surviving two attempts at total annihilations in a single
> century, you know the national mantra of NI is "Never Again," And the
> technology and methods of the NI fleets will be geared that way. 

And so would the land forces. 

> 2) Some of the most radical fringe is going to expend resources (and
> lives) on living in the heart of the Israeli nuclear wasteland - to
keep
> the homeland occupied until the inevitable return from the "Second
> Exodus".

With a heavily armed gaurd to protect them in the brutal conditions, 
and with a lot of quiet sponsorship from other world governments who 
may feel some sort of guilt or debt is owed - nothing big, just a 
quiet effort to help out. Maybe some money, maybe some arms, maybe 
some biotech to help rehabilitate the ruins, and maybe just some 
quiet words to the IF about what a bad idea it would be to harrass 
these remaining Israelis. 
 
>	- Policies: Aggression by NI is only justified if it feels its
> safety threatened (though definitions of 'threat' and 'safety' vary
> within the NI government). NI reacts swiftly, viciously, and finally
in
> defense or retaliation. It will not attack civilian population, but it
> will excise any active military threat it can find, no matter where it
> hides.

That is to say, if the NI does consider a group a threat, it will by 
definition not be civilians, despite the fact it may appear as such 
to the rest of the world. 

 It sometimes acts pre-emptively, but only after long and careful
> internal deliberation and assessment of the cost in lives and
resources,
> and the ripples it will cause in its foreign relations (usually not
> visible to the outside).

Although often internal pressures and politics may force it to act 
and live with the external consequences. 

 _Something_ will have been learned from the
> political history of Old Israel on Terra. 

Yes. Don't ever allow yourself to be vulnerable. Don't ever forgive 
an enemy. Any don't ever trust an Arab (may not be true, but it sure 
seems that would be the lesson that many bitter survivors may come 
away with). 

>	- Planets/bases are heavily (to the point of paranoia) defended.
> New Israel itself (defended by bases and the bulk of the NI fleet at
> most times) would require a substantial part of a major power's fleet
to
> take out. It is theorized that the entire IF fleet en mass could do
it,
> but at a steep price.

And I'll bet New Israel maintains a fleet of orbital bombardment 
ships out in deep space as a threat much like the modern sub threat. 
Mess with New Israel, and you may beat us, but while you are beating 
us we'll be taking out your world, your lands. 

>		Lighter ships (Escort cruisers and below) are native
> design. Many utilize homegrown tech (see below). About 33% the fleet
are
> fast raider types, another 25% are slower and heavier designed to
secure
> and hold areas of space for the short to medium term. The rest of the
> fleet are a scattering of light fast scouts/couriers, spyships, and
> patrol ships of various public and private designs.

Plus they'd have some assault transports for moving troops in at 
least Batallion scale. 

> NI does not have a significant sponsored merc force. It does hire/loan
> out some of its resources at times - primarily in the intelligence
> gathering arm. Mossad spyships are quite popular  (e.g the  Ayin or
> "Eye" Series).

I can see good reasons for a *mercenary* force. Ever read Not For 
Glory by Joel Rosenberg? This has a lot to say about a similar 
situation. There, the planet is not rich and manpower is the only 
resource. Hence mercenaries are a source of revenue that helps keep 
the planet alive. As I assume it is lucrative, this may also apply to 
a New Israel trying to rebuild Old Israel. 

Also, loaning of platoons, companies, whatever around does the 
following things, which would be within NI interests:
1) Gets people (other nations) to owe you
2) Keeps your eyes and ears all over
3) Gives you combat experienced veteran troops rather than untrained, 
unblooded troops
4) Warns enemies not to f&*k with you because they get a first hand 
look at the carnage you can wreak. 

Just another thought on why they may provide mercs. I'd bet NI Mossad 
(or New Mossad whatever that would be in Yiddish) would be involved 
in the contracting process and vette every contract with the question 
"What does this do for the Jews/Israelis?" before okaying deployment 
of troops. 

Thomas.  
/************************************************
Thomas Barclay		     
Voice: (613) 831-2018 x 4009
Fax: (613) 831-8255

 "C makes it easy to shoot yourself in the foot.  C++ makes
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 -Bjarne Stroustrup
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