Who's watching what happens in the Golan Heights?
June 9, 2006
An Israeli winery on the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.
I'll give you a hint, it's a country beginning with S.
Yes, that's right, it's Sweden, that's who!
Some people at the Swedish state alcohol retail monopoly, bless them, realized that "Made in Israel" could not really apply to wine from the Golan Heights and approached the Swedish Foreign Ministry to consult on how to define the wine's origin. Obviously, the Israelis complained that "someone in Sweden is looking to damage the sale of Israeli wines." I'm sure there were a few stronger accusations as well, which we can imagine.
We all know that UNSC Resolution 497 considers Israel's occupation and annexation of the Golan Heights as null and void, and without international legal effect. But when was the last time you heard the Syrian regime mention that resolution? Or has anybody in Damascus even noticed this wine dispute, even though others have?
It seems the regime is too busy dealing with "traitors" and "reforming the economy." Which is too bad, because they would have realized that the Swedes ended up choosing a poor alternative, now labeling the Golan Heights wine as made in "Syrian occupied territory." The correct label should have been "occupied Syrian territory."
