<I don't think that we should be trying to influence either side. If we are able to influence the Israeli government in their foreign or domestic affairs, we become at least partially responsible for those affairs. I think that instead we should let the Israelis do whatever they want to with Arafat, or ALL the Palestinians.>
Not that Israel would do it, but would you include a Final Solution? I disagree that we should let them do whatever they want to with all of the Palestinians.
The UN established Israel, albeit almost on a fait accompli basis. So "we" are already more than partially responsible for what goes on. If "we" put somebody in charge of others, "we" are responsible for what happens. A bit like Sharon was at least partly responsible for allowing the mass killing by the Lebanese and a bit like the UN allowed mass killing at Srebenica.
While 'legality' in international relations is still non-existent in that the USA acknowledges no such laws, doing what they like and refusing to submit to any higher authority, there is a half-baked legality and there is dispute between Palestinians and Israel about the legality of Israel.
I say the UN should be made into the New United Nations, with a brand new constitution. Israel/Palestine, Iraq and a few other dodgy places [East Timor, Kosovo, Afghanistan] where the legality of regimes is not established and civilization is minimal should be made wards of the NUN. With a good constitution, they'd be applying to join, a bit like countries like to join the WTO and EU. People benefit from civilisation. Having Twin Towers destroyed, suicide bombers destroying buses, and King David hotels being blown up, complete with people, isn't the way to run a railroad. A spot of Colonisation would help.
In democracies, people mostly understand that while things don't go their way always, it's a heck of a lot better than having dictatorship or civil war to decide issues.
Mqurice |
