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Politics : Foreign Policy Discussion Thread -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: TimF who wrote (6633)	4/1/2004 6:04:14 PM
From: Hawkmoon	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 15987

Many wouldn't agree to anything less then 100% of the West Bank and Gaza plus East Jerusalem. Twofowler.. You're coming up with excuses for why something can't happen, while I'm telling you that, if necessary, we force it to happen by 1.) thumping the heads of the extremists on both sides, and 2.) putting the peace treaty to a referendum in both Palestine and Israel. But lets assume Israel agrees to the 95%, does Arafat? Who cares? Arafat is relevant only with regard to struggle for independence. Bring the UN and NATO into the equation for a negotiated settlement and what role will he have to play except as a rubber stamp?? Remember, his base of support is in Europe and the Mid-East. Bring the Europeans who have been supporting the Palestinians and force them to put actions to their words behind bringing peace and Arafat will roll over... After all, what would he have to offer... more hopeless struggle and economic poverty? Can he really stand in the face of a REAL chance at statehood, and all the foreign assistance that would go along with such an agreement? Does Hammas? Unlikely in my opinion. Hamas will have to make a choice of dying, or joining in the political system under a oath of non-violence. Having Hamas continue to be armed and threatening violence against Israel is a deal-killer. But the PA is just not able (or is unwilling to risk) having to deal with Hamas. Thus, NATO forces will be required to accomplish that. But we will never know unless we try.. Too much of the turmoil in the mid-east is caught up with the Israeli-Palestianian conflict. You and I know that much of it is a convenient diversion by which many of these corrupt and authoritarian regimes deflect criticism away from their own political and economic ineptitude. But thus far, the diversion has been working.. Remove the foundation for this diversion and Arab leaders will be forced to deal with their own internal economic and political problems. Which, of course, we'll help them with... Because it's too important not to.... 9/11 showed us a small sample of what a few clever terrorists can accomplish on a modest budget.. Do you want to wait until they have access to even more destructive weapons? We have deflate the motivation for Muslims to follow their cause and justify these actions against western nations (as well as fellow Muslims).. Taking the Palestinian-Israeli issue out of the equation might go a long way to deflating their political balloon. Hawk Hawk