Eye on the Middle East// Peace and Apartheid

Eight  days of destruction, pain and violence have re-opened old wounds and have hurt the progress of peace in a highly volatile region of the world.  This all done in the name of peace, protection and progress.  As we see the reaction from the Arab world and the UN, I have to wonder how this will achieve any of those ends? Just turn on your TV and look at the news. You can see a growing tide of anger and outrage directed towards the Israeli government that won't be dissipated with neither the violent ousting of Hamas nor the violence against civilians that are already refugees in their own land.

The situation in Israel is and has always been dire.  The history of the land and the right to claim it by Palestine and Israel is marred by violence, prejudice and power. This dark history and the actions of the Hamas terror group leaves us with very few, if any, peaceful solutions. 

Though the path to peace is difficult and is often times violently opposed, I am inclined to follow the path that Fmr. President Jimmy Carter mapped out in his book, "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid". In it he goes over a process that is very Kantian, cosmopolitan and ethical as it honors sovereignty of Nations, States, Religions, and People.  In it he goes over several steps that need to be taken in order to bring peace to the region.  The following is a bit of that mixed with my own opinions and vision for peace.

The first step that needs to be made is for the United States to take a roll that is un-biased and neutral.  Our allegiance to one side makes it difficult, if not impossible, to bring both parties to the table and to negotiate peace.  Currently, we are not seen as mediator or negotiator.  We are seen as a friend and as a foe to each respective side.  This continuance of opposition and support will only strengthen the resolve of those whom are already hostile to Israel and the United States.

I presume that the above brings into the mind of the reader a suspicion of support to the terrorist activities of Hamas. So, let me be clear; I do not recognize any hostile government as legitimate in the world of cosmopolitanism. Hamas is a terrorist group that has risen to power in a small area of the world that continues to seek to create havoc and disregard of the value of human life.  It is suicidal to the progress of the Arab World and needs to be dealt with so that peace can resume. 

Another problem that we face is the illegal occupation of Arab Territory by the nation of Israel. Israel imposes embargos, tariffs, and taxes upon people and lands of which they have no legitimate claim.  This continues to create distrust and aggression. Which leads me to the next step we should encourage and expect for perpetual peace, giving back the land that belongs to the Arabs as set forth in the 1947 UN Partition Plan. 

It is clear that so long as Israel occupies, controls trade, taxes and ports they will be met with aggression.  Understandably, Israel has taken control of these lands as they have needed it in the pursuit of protecting their citizens and their right to national sovereignty.  This was especially necessary in the early development of the nation of Israel.  However, the occupation now is much more of a liability and a justification for aggression by Hamas and other terrorist groups. Therefore, it is proposed that Israel (along with the international community) works with the PLO to give it the power necessary to remove Hamas from the Gaza strip and to dispel the organization all together. 

This starts with returning all control of the designated West Bank to the PLO and ends with the return of all Arab lands to the rightful owners.  The action would show the Arab Nations that we are willing to live peacefully and to the benefit of all so long as those neighbors are willing to work towards the same.  This would also show that we don't negotiate with terror groups and that we believe in free and open societies.

Finally, with Israel in a position of dominance and control of lands, it should be simple for them to stop the weapons from entering the Gaza Strip without having to attack. This is especially true if the governments of Jordan, Egypt and the US participate in the process.

However, it's now difficult to see any progress with this attack on a city filled with innocent that are being unnecessarily wounded and killed.  This action will have a very negative fallout and most likely result in the rise of more terrorism and aggression from those most affected by it.  As they say, if murder begats murder...  when will it end?

by Shadna Aten