Carl:The Palestinians are not completely downtrodden. They (rationally!!!) believe that they will win in the end. They can see that their situation is improving while Israel's situation is getting worse. They can see the "success" of the Taliban in Afghanistan against a world power. So they continue to fight. And that fighting contributes to their plight..
I think the Israel/Palestina problem is worth to discuss, as it is among the roots causing the NY criminal terrorist attack.
they will win in the end
The vast majority of the Palestitnians wants to live where they lived for centuries (600-1948). Today, they
more or less accepted to live in a different territory, but they want to be treated in a non discriminating way,
having the same rights as everyone in the territory (internationally recognized) of Israel or in the occupied
territory (not recognized as territory) where you find jewish settlements (clearly against international law, which is prohibiting settlements in occupied territory).
They can see the "success" of the Taliban in Afghanistan against a world power.
I firmly believe that the Taliban case plays a role close to zero for the Palestinians.
So they continue to fight. And that fighting contributes to their plight
Essentially they are fighting for justice, in a moral way (difficult to define) and in a juridical way, realively clearly defined by UN-resolutions, international law and human rights declaration. In the name of law and justice,
we all should be glad if they "win" in the end, as I can't recognize any other source of justice in international matters than the implementation of these laws and the according treaties. All states involved have accepted
these laws and signed the treaties and I can't see a reason serious enough for these states not to respect them.
In the Palestina problem, all international enforcement of these laws and resolutions is blocked by Israel relying on the help of the US to do so.
To study a bit the background (if you are not familiar) I recommend:
Le monde diplomatique (highly regarded French magazine about international developments):
en.monde-diplomatique.fr
en.monde-diplomatique.fr
Maybe: cactus48.com which I judge accurate regarding newer history.
My source is a well known former Middle-East correspondent for a highly regarded, conservative
Swiss newspaper. Unfortunately, his articles are in German, so I think there's little value in providing a link.
Another source is a Palestinian friend of mine. He's not a feverish, terroristic fundamentalist. He is working
in the management of one of the big five consulting companies. His parents live in Gaza, and his reports are
pretty much in accordance of what the correspondent reports.
Regards, Boris |
