(cont.) Allow me to add, Nadine, that I have great sympathy for Israel, and I do realize how easy it is to criticize. I know many Americans are now beginning to understand the truth about the situation on the ground in Israel in more human terms - it has now come home to us also.
I do not live in a place under the gun as many Israelis do. I do know I have lived in Mexico City where security concerns are such that armed guards patrol supermarkets with shotguns, and I should say I did not like the feeling much. I admire the courage of many Israelis. That nation should be very proud it is the only democracy in the region. I really do wish the other moderates in the neighborhood, especially the Lebanese and Jordanians, would take a far more active role on behalf of peace. I especially hope and look forward to especially one day - soon, please - a resurgent Lebanon as a powerful voice for moderation, prosperity and freedom in the Middle East. (I am especially annoyed how unsafe the Middle East is right now - so many places I would love to visit.) The United States and its Allies should work hard to help that country reeestablish itself as it once was, a truly moderate and successful bridge between Europe and the Middle East. Such a shame the city of Beirut was destroyed. I have so often heard Lebanese friends refer to it as the Paris of the Middle East, with morning skiing and afternoon beach-going to boot.
The comments here about the pressure on Yasser Arafat to tow the hard line or else risk assassination I would question. You know, this is a man who addressed the United Nations General Assembly with a gun at his hip. I find it disgraceful that the Nobel Committee awarded this man a Nobel Peace Prize. So does the rest of my family. This man is not a peacemaker.
In the end, I feel the pressures on both peoples are such now that a political solution between the two will be difficult without an outside mediator coming in. That mediator must have some power to enforce a solution. Perhaps there should be a closely monitored referendum held in both Israel and the Territories on various proposals. The one which wins the most support from both sides is the one that is enforced. Let the people decide. (Though that may turn out to be an intolerable reality for certain leaders.) An idea. I'm pleased our thread host requested some solutions. This is merely one attempt.
Regards,
Olivier L. F. Asser |
