Is a compromise possible?

[jerryster]

I hope I'm not violating the guidelines here, but I feel it is appropriate to identify my ethnicity and leanings before I put forth my suggestions. I am Jewish and VERY pro-Israel. Nonetheless, a couple of my suggestions may not go over with others who are as well. However, the devil's definition of a good compromise is when no one is happy. So here goes.

1. I believe that a Palestinian state is inevitable. What the Palestinians don't seem to grab is that it will NEVER happen unless and until their charter specifically recognizes the state of Israel, its right to exist in peace and deletes the language calling for Israel's destruction. Israel, I believe, has to come to accept this inevitability. I admit to being lousy at geography because this state will pose the biggest problem of all for the Palestinians and that is ...

2. However one draws the lines for this state, Jerusalem in my plan remains THE UNDIVIDED AND ETERNAL CAPITAL OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL.

3. The settlers who refuse to leave the area making up the Palestinian state get removed, forcibly if necessary.

4. The Golan Heights remain in Israel. Syria? Please.

These are my suggestions. I would welcome others. I would dearly love to see peace there.

[wtmusic]

1. Israel has to recognize Arafat as the legitimate leader of Palestine

Won't ever happen, thus, death continues.

[Resistance]

2. yes compromise is possible

my comments:

1) LETTER FROM YASSER ARAFAT TO PRIME MINISTER RABIN

September 9, 1993

Yitzhak Rabin
Prime Minister of Israel

Mr. Prime Minister,

The signing of the Declaration of Principles marks a new era in the history of the Middle East. In firm conviction thereof, I would like to confirm the following PLO commitments:

The PLO recognizes the right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and security.

The PLO accepts United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.

The PLO commits itself to the Middle East peace process, and to a peaceful resolution of the conflict between the two sides and declares that all outstanding issues relating to permanent status will be resolved through negotiations.

The PLO considers that the signing of the Declaration of Principles constitutes a historic event, inaugurating a new epoch of peaceful coexistence, free from violence and all other acts which endanger peace and stability. Accordingly, the PLO renounces the use of terrorism and other acts of violence and will assume responsibility over all PLO elements and personnel in order to assure their compliance, prevent violations and discipline violators.

In view of the pormise of a new era and the signing of the Declaration of Principles and based on Palestinian acceptance of Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, the PLO affirms that those articles of the Palestinian Covenant which deny Israel's right to exist, and the provisions of the Covenant which are inconsistent with the commitments of this letter are now inoperative and no longer valid. Consequently, the PLO undertakes to submit to the Palestinian National Council for formal approval the necessary changes in regard to the Palestinian Covenant.

Sincerely,

Yasser Arafat
Chairman
The Palestine Liberation Organization

2. You want compromise, yet you declare Jerusalem is for Israel only?

3. Agreed

4. Oh you want the Golan Heights too - where exactly was the compromise part? I must have missed it.

[Darranar]

3. Well, I do think that Israel...

has a legitimate security concern in the Golan Heights. It overlooks a large portion of Israel, and is a great place to station artillery to fire on Israeli targets. However, I don't think it's that important. I would give it away in a heartbeat if it meant peace and was up to me.

When it comes to East Jerusalem, I believe that both sides have a legitimate concern for the protection of their popualtions within that city, along with protection of each religion's holy sites within that city.

[Resistance]

4. international intervention

is the only way.

[Darranar]

5. International intervention?

I don't know. Military intervention before a peaceful solution is implemented seems to me to be a heavy hammer trying to correct a delicate problem. The situation, as bad as it is, can get worse.

Military peacekeepers in several locations, East Jerusalem for one, would seem to me to be an excellent course of action once relative peace is established in the region. The question is hwo do we get to that stage.

[Resistance]

6. Frankly

I think right this moment is the time for international peacekeepers to step in, before the bloodbath in Gaza and more suicide bombings in Israel take place. Get both sides back to where Taba left off, place the interventionist forces wherever they are needed, which the United States should support entirely, create a Palestinian State almost immediately, and force both governments to a negotiated, compromised solution.

And no, I don't think it would be that difficult, aside from hammering out compromises. (but then again, if you start back up where Taba left off, we're more than halfway to the goal line)

[Darranar]

7. The problem is...

that you'll have the Palestinian terrorists to deal with, the Israelis and the Israeli government who aren't going to be happy with the internationl community intervening in their regional affairs, many palestinians who feel the same, and vast outcries of condemnation from right-wingers across the globe.

In addition to that, I'm not convinced that terrorism from either side will stop with the addition of an international force.

[Gimel]

8. And by the way

Jerusalem is not "for Israel only". Jerusalem is the home of three religions, and it will remain so under Israel's rule. East Jerusalem neighborhoods, where the majority of Muslims reside, will remain in Palestinian control. The holy sits will also be maintained by the appropriate religious group.

What both sides get is peace.

The Golan Heights is an issue with Syria. Unless it is a comprehensive peace agreement you are discussing, it is not part of the I/P settlement agreement. For security reasons, it remains in Israel's hands. Syria's demands on this are unreasonable from Israel's viewpoint.

I do not think the Palestinians should gain anything as a result of suicide attacks on Israel.

[Violet_Crumble]

10. Something you've overlooked...

East Jerusalem neighborhoods, where the majority of Muslims reside, will remain in Palestinian control.

How would that happen under Israeli rule. Do you mean that the Palestinians will be expected to pay for all the expenses that involves Muslims living in the city, like water, electricity etc, but have zero control when it comes to anything more than that?

I do not think the Palestinians should gain anything as a result of suicide attacks on Israel.

And I don't think Israel should gain anything as a result of oppressing and mistreating the Palestinians for so long. Let's call it quits and demand Israel remove its settlements in the Occupied Territories and withdraw to the 1967 borders so the Palestinian people have a chance at living normal lives...



Violet...

[dfong63]

11. by the way 2

I do not think the Palestinians should gain anything as a result of suicide attacks on Israel.

and i do not think Israel should gain anything as the result of their blatant theft of occupied land, in violation of international law.

it's simple: giving back what you stole is not a "gain" for the person you stole it from.

[Gimel]

9. Welcome to DU

Nice to have your participation, Jerryster.

:toast: :-)

[Lithos]

12. Jerryster

Glad to see you in the I/P forum. However, there indeed are "http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=124&topic_id=3"]guideliens which are in effect. One section explains the need for a post to be based on a recent news or op-ed article:


Proper subject matter:

* New threads must be based on a recently-published news item or op-ed piece. Citations and references should include a link to the original source. Exceptions will be allowed if the moderators feel a thread is appropriate.

Regards

Lithos
FA/NS Moderator
Democratic Underground