Opinion  Soapbox
How much longer?
Alon Ben-Meir
Published: 28.05.06, 08:50
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15 Talkbacks for this article
1. Alon,you've missed the point
Michael   (05.28.06)
The "Palestinian People" were a group of diversed Arabs that were and still are beeing used,in a different method to destroy the Jewish State. Yes, the palestinians could end the conflict tomorrow if they wanted. In fact, they could have ended it with oslo. But their goal is pretty clear. They don't want to build another arab state in '67 land. They want to replace the State of Israel. I hope israelis start opening their eyes,no matter how painful or politically incorrect the truth may be,
2. they will never stop blaming israel, b/c its easier!
Shimon ,   Israel   (05.28.06)
3. To Mr. Ben-Meir
Josh ,   Jerusalem   (05.28.06)
You must take a closer look at the reality on the ground. The Palestinians HAVE chosen their own destiny by voting for Hamas. Do not dismiss this fact by saying they made a mistake, or they didn't know what they were doing. The Palestinian consensus has been decided -- to wipe Israel off the map. It's about time we take into consideration our own destiny instead of the destiny of others. As you can see by the withdrawal from Gaza, another withdrawal from the West Bank will create an open invitation for radical Islamic groups to set up camp. Repeating this same strategy in the West Bank will create an even bigger existential threat, not only to Israel, but to the neighboring kingdom of Jordan. Albert Einstein said it best when he defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Your theory would be correct from a political economic perspective and in a vacuum without radical Islam and terrorism. A Palestinian state would theoretically improve their standard of living by strengthening their economy and giving them independence. Unfortunately though, this theory is unrealistic. The Palestinians do not want to live side by side with the Jews. They want to erase Israel from the map. This is what they believe and teach their children. They glorify murderous suicide bombers as martyrs and promote shahada (martyrdom) in their schools, mosques, media and political institutions. This belief in the destruction of Israel is so deeply embedded in their society that it has become a social norm. Giving the Palestinians more land and independence only weakens the State of Israel by transferring absolute authority to a people hell bent on Israel's demise.
4. #3 could I kindly remind you that
Vorax   (05.28.06)
the author is the professor of International relations at the Center for Global Affairs at New York University and is the Middle East Project Director at the World Policy Institute in New York. .. with such credentials, he doesn't need any corrections of reality from you. His reality is absolutely perfect - in NewYork.
5. To Vorax #4
Josh ,   Jerusalem   (05.28.06)
Don't be so naive. Just because someone has a title, doesn't mean their opinions are right. Hitler was one of the greatest politicians in history. Does that mean his politics were correct?
6. I love it when people a world away think they know it all..
Moshe D. ,   Ma'aleh Adumim, IL   (05.28.06)
7. to #5 please re-read my post
Vorax   (05.28.06)
actually I was supporting your point and sarcastic towards this Middle East politician prospering in NY. Article is hopeless mix of wishful thinking, political labels, PC rhetorics and emotional bubbles, bearing no sign of serious analysis. IMHO.
8. Biased
C. York ,   United States   (05.28.06)
This particular article is obviously biased in Israel's favor rather than being an even handed piece looking at both sides. There are problems on both sides of the equation and it isn't all a Palestinian problem nor is it an Israeli problem. If there is a central problem in this conflict it is that of religion which causes both parties to think irrationally. C
9. How much longer?
Walter Coombs ,   Minneapolis, USA   (05.28.06)
The author makes perfect sense of the issue. I hope the Palestinians can face the facts and begin to build a better life for themselves and their children. With all they have suffered,they certainly deserve a chance for success. Hatred and resentment has gotten them nowhere.
10. The referendum won't further the peace process
josef cohen ,   bkk thailand   (05.28.06)
The referendum won't further the peace process. It will in fact derail any chance of peace, if as according to reports it would set in concrete things like "return of refugees". It would also make it impossible to negotiate a border since it would set the terms in advance, as being the former Green line. This would leave even the most willing partner with virtually no flexibility and lead to a stalemate as we have to date. Abbas if really had courage would start to tell his people what they can realistically expect and just run a referendom on the principle of a negotiated settlement rather than run on the principals of the settlement that he can never deliver nor would Israel agree to. For consideration,
11. Unbiased news?
David ,   State College, PA   (05.28.06)
It's wishful thinking to believe you'll receive an unbiased point of view from someone so entrenched in one side of the conflict. Why is it that we consistently publish one-sided "news", almost uniquely from an Isreali point of view, here in the United States, and accept this as unbiased and factually correct?
12. Perhaps the pals blame Israel b/c it's occupying their land
Franck   (05.28.06)
And perhaps they will stop when they can live like every other people in the world. Perhpas, i d'on't know. Perhpas 600 roadblocks anger them a little, perhaps the blocus of Gaza is an israeli tool to put pressure on the pals so they accept israeli terms and domination.
13. shape for a referendum
john ,   saskatoon, canada   (05.28.06)
Well this really is a wild card waiting in the wings. My question is who will get to vote in the referendum, and how much interference from inside and outside will there be to determine this. I just imagine the mess that will result.
14. #12; The Arabs are occupying Jewish land.
Daisy ,   USA   (05.29.06)
The reason that there are roadblocks is because the Arabs blow up Jewish babies. Got It?
15. To frankc
Ivri   (06.03.06)
either read some credible material about the historical facts and the present situation in the middle east,or think before you post on here over-chewed propaganda with no basis in fact. The Check points didnt apear overnight because some officer decided to deprive his soldiers of sleep or R&R,. Homicide bombers apeared first,children died,dozens maimed for life,AND THEN,,,The check points apeared. Get Educated! There is nothing Israelis would love more than to live in peace.The pals on the other hand,are fostering hatred for generations to come through education and media. Do not let yourself get hoodwinked by the greatest hoax in modern times...the palestinians.
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