In its Jan. 20 edition, the New York Times carries an article by Jerusalem bureau chief Ethan Bronner about Israel's pending accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development -- a sign of Israel's growing status as an important economic and financial player on the world stage.But Bronner is not so much interested in Israel's growing acceptance in international circles as in trying to blunt it.  The major part of his piece is devoted to spotlighting factors that in his view still might deny Israel entry into OECD -- notwithstanding a statement from OECD General-Secretary Angel Gurria that Israel will be granted membership this year ("Issues Stand Before Israel In Joining Elite Group" page A7).So what are these "issues" which have nothing to do with OECD's focus on technical research in the domains of national finance and economic development?  Bronner describes them as Israel's "secretive" weapons trade (news to me since...(Read Full Post)