Could we move on to substantive discussion?
I share your sentiment. I only wish some of the actual principals would "get religion"...haha, as well. It's all the same, never ends. There is no possible solution as long as they all continue this ranting spat of who started what, who is worse, which leader is more of a war criminal, what is/isn't terrorism, who's deity has a better credit rating, what massacre is worse, who feels more pain, which the meaning of is is.
How about a proposal? Can one side offer their demands? Not the typical, stop the terrorism, or end the occupation!! That results in a circular potpurri of continued recriminations and bad commentary from frothing zealots (both sides)...I am seeing Rahman and Klinkus here!
Something that forms the outline for a solution. As in what are we negotiating. My humble idea:
1) Palestine should be a state, and its borders recognized and validated in the same manner the other ME countries garnered their legitimacy. Someone else(UN, Brits) says it's so.
2) Palestine will consist of the West Bank and Gaza. With the West Bank parcel a contiguous, uninterrupted border.
3) Israel will revert to basically the '67 borders with the proviso that the Golan Heights are retained, as well as a "buffer zone" on the West Bank (I am seeing Korea here). Any areas retained by Israel will be swapped with other lands currently in Israel proper, or financial remuneration given.
4) Settlements: Welcome to Palestine, settlers! You may stay, and again financial remuneration is provided to Palestine, or some luckier refugees have new homes. End result either way settlements are ended.
5) Refugee right of Return: See above, and enjoy the new state. There is no other "right of return".
6)Jerusalem: Can you say Palestine capitol in east of the city? Good!
7) All ME states give Israel full diplomatic relations. Although I know what a booby prize that can be for Israel.
What does Israel get? Well, after demanding certain geographic security assets, not a whole lot. Except the moral high ground. Something Israel lacks with the settlements and occupations.
It's a start and a lot better than this guaranteed to fail process of "we cannot reward terror" or "there can be no peace with Israel". Put the cards on a table and the parties can say "yea" or "nay". No way to negotiate if neither side knows where the other stands, and any efforts by Father America are equally doomed under such a fact structure.
Keep up the campaign of seeking proper redress for wrongs actual and perceived and the calendar will change, but not the situation.
midnite |
