Two key issue needs to be on the table before peace, "right of return and East Jerusalem" both issues were unacceptable the Israelis would not budge on them.
I would agree that Jerusalem is an issue. After all, the Muslims deliberately built a Mosque on top of the holiest spot in Judaism, the Temple Mount. And Jews believe they should have the right to rebuild their temple on that mount.. So there's an impasse..
But we're talking baby steps here Sarman.. I would have no problem with pressuring Israel to open up Jerusalem to becoming a "co-capital" for both the Israeli and Palestinian state. In fact, I believe it should become an open city.
But to get there, the Palestinians MUST take the necessary steps towards building a nation/state that is willing to live in peace with Israel. They must renounce the agenda that Hamas subscribe to related to the destruction of Israel. And they must demonstrate that they are capable of becoming a peaceful and productive state worthy of being recognized and supported.
I'm just not seeing that..
Again, the Palestinians demanded that the Israelis leave Gaza and Sharon took a major gamble and did just that. But what has been the result? Almost immediate aggression from Gaza launched against Israel and now a potential civil war between Fatah and Hamas. Just more killing, and the Palestinian people, those who don't identify with either faction, are stuck in the middle.
Personally, I really believe the Israelis are ready for TRUE peace with the Palestinians. And that is what must be achieved FIRST, before the discussion of capitals and finalized borders are discussed. Because if the Palestinian government can't even managed to control Gaza and arrive at a peaceful coexistence there with Israel, it doesn't hold out much hope for any peace to be achieved on the West Bank.
It seems that every decision the Palestinian people make works to Israel's advantage and diminishes global support for the Palestinian cause. They reject peace in 2000 and immediately launch "intifada II". Sharon unilaterally gives Gaza back to the Palestinian authority, and they elect Hamas (who immediately commences using Gaza to attack Israel), and now they are, apparently, choosing civil war...
Capitals and borders can be moved and/or adjusted Sarman. But without the recognition that Israel isn't going away (at least not without taking everyone else in the neighborhood with them), and the willingness to implement a peace-treaty, and full recognition of Israel, the Palestinian people will continue to suffer from their self-inflicted wounds.
What are implying? That if you have no DISTINCT culture, you have no right to live with dignity?
Where is the "dignity" in training your children to become suicide bombers? Where is the peace in publicly proclaiming the belief that a neighboring state has no right to exist?
No.. I don't see the "distinct" culture, language, or ethnicity of the Palestinian people being any different from other Arabs. They've LOST it, if it ever existed. Tell me where there was a historical "Kingdom of Palestine" (Philistines?).. Show me their distinctive claim to "uniqueness" except the fact that were born in Palestine (because most Israelis have been born there as well). Show me why the world should recognize them as a distinct people.
So let the Palestinians find their soul.. If it's pragmatic and peaceful, then they will win the world's sympathy, as well as my support. But if it is aggressive and malicious, then they will continue to be neutralized and/or occupied. (and deservedly so).
Bottom line, Jordan is a Palestinian state occupied by Hashemite Arabs from the Hijaz. The current PLO derived movement is an independence movement that renounced their willingness to be part of Jordan and sought independence. They basically have two choices.. Either straighten up and act like a responsible nation/state, or request permission to rejoin Jordan (which I believe the Israelis would be amenable to, but I'm sure King Abdallah would be hesitant to consider).
Hawk |
