US envoy says Palestinian problem not the root cause of terrorism

[Herschel]

US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage rejected a suggestion that a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict would stop a wave of global terrorism.


"You would have to note that it was only (lately) that Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda leadership could even find it in themselves to mention the word Palestinian," Armitage told reporters after talks in Cairo with Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa.


"So I reject the notion that a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, overwhelmingly important as it is, would stop the terrorism that has been directed against the United States, Western interests and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he said.


"I can accept the point that they will make use of conflict in the occupied territories for their own ends, but it is not the root cause of al-Qaeda terrorism," he added.


"The support for the United States for Israel is something that is a bedrock principle of the United States," said Armitage, flanked by Mussa who has criticized US support for Israel.

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http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1312&ncid=1312&e=2&u=/afp/20031111/pl_afp/us_mideast_arabs_031111143927

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While I have occasion to disagree with Armitage, I do favor this pragmatic view as opposed to the leftist view. Resolution would not satisfy those that would harm America. Support of Israel is an American principle.

[Maple]

1. It is one of several things in the ME

causing the problem.

Since Armitage is so sure what ISN'T the problem...it implies he knows what IS the problem.

I suggest he get on it then.

[Darranar]

2. It (solving I/P) is only part of the solution.

[Herschel]

3. Well said

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[Jack Rabbit]

6. Agreed

Solving the I/P problem might take some of the steam out of the Osamas of the world, but they have other points of contention as well. US support for brutal and corrupt dictators must end. Mr. Bush has foolishly added another with the occupation of Iraq, which has nothing to do with liberating anybody and has no concern for the Iraqi people.

What would help greatly is an American leader who really knows what democracy is and will not be afraid to promote it in the Arab world.

[Darranar]

7. Agreed, Jack Rabbit...

another priority should be energy alternatives and energy conservation.

What needs to happen is a change for the better in the domestic situation of the Arabs. Democracy and humanitarian aid will help facilitate this.

[Jack Rabbit]

9. Absolutely right

Thank you. That's something you and I can do help the situation.

[The Magistrate]

10. Mr. Armitage's Statement Is Rather Nuanced, My Friend

And taken as a whole, is not innaccurate. Resolution of the conflict between Israel and Arab Palestine would not halt the radical fundamentalists; indeed, probably nothing short of a bullet will do that. These do have a variety of grievances, many of them wholly imaginary, as is often the case with religious zealots.

But the conflict between Israel and Arab Palestine is one of their most potent recruiting tools. It ensures them a flow of manpower, and of political support among the people of the Islamic world. This is the materiel they need for their operations, and moving to cut it off would be analagous to a naval blockade against a power dependent on overseas minerals for much of its weapons manufacturing. It would not directly bring the enemy to a halt, but would greatly constrict its operation and reduce its staying power.

[Philosophy]

4. Of course - the real reason is that they hate us for our freedoms

And just how is this a "pragmatic" view? It sounds dogmatic to me.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[dudeness]

8. Support of Israel is an American principle.

It may well be..so may i suggest to Mr Armitage that, he use that strong bond with Israel to promote a peaceful solution to this horrendous conflict..then and only then can we move on to the main root of terrorism..