Richard, that is exactly the opportunity that Arafat has missed. The Oslo accords set the principle of mutual recognition (Israel recognized the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian, replacing in essence Jordan, while the PLO agreed to recognize the right of Israel to exist (as if Israel needed that "recognition") within safe and recognized boundaries. Part of the agreement was that incitement to the destruction of Israel will cease and that PLO removes from its charter the call for the elimination of the Jewish state. Unfortunately, Arafat, by not delivering on his promises, missed the creation of a Palestinian state. The Palestinian people are paying for that folly with misery, lack of national determination, and constant humiliation. The Israeli are paying a heavy price as well, most soldiers I know do not enjoy the role of "opressors", and of course, none enjoy having their kids being shot at, their festivities disrupted by suicide bombers, and the permeating fear that tomorrow might not be.
Zeev |
