Palestine should recognize Israel as a Jewish state for two months

[shaayecanaan]

http://lynch.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/10/27/settlements_for_recognition_a_modest_proposal

Think about it! It seems fine to me for Israel to bring forward issues that matter to them in the negotiations, even if others object or it doesn't conform with past practice -- that's what negotiations are for. But it would be obviously silly to expect the Palestinians to make a permanent concession on an issue Israel seems to value in exchange for a temporary Israeli concession on a side issue. But a temporary "freeze" on the non-recognition of Israel as a Jewish state in exchange for a temporary "freeze" on settlements? Let the bargaining begin! And it gets better. Abu Mazen could have followed up by offering to extend the recognition as a Jewish state for a longer period if Israel agreed to extend the settlement moratorium for the same time period. And once they get to the final status two-state agreement, it could be made permanent.

[aquart]

1. Asinine solutions are also welcome at the bargaining table.

[ixion]

2. ...

Sounds like a pretty one-sided bargain to me.

[shaayecanaan]

4. How so? (nt)

[ixion]

5. well, for starters, Israel never really 'freezes' even when it agrees to...

that's been going on for years.

You can't expect the underdog to make larger concessions than the bully on the block. That just isn't going to happen.

Then there's the whole idea of a government founded on a religion. That never sits well with me, not matter what the religion. It's not good for the people.

[shaayecanaan]

6. It is very difficult for the Palestinians to have confidence in the process...

they are obviously powerless in a physical or military sense, so they are entirely dependent on the goodwill of the other parties and on international sympathy, and obviously both of those things can be fickle.

[alanquatermass]

8. I agree!

Israel needs to get over this idea that it is a "Jewish State", because theocracy's never flourish, and never accomplish anything useful.

It is VERY hard to take Israel's side in this conflict.

[stray cat]

3. That's ethical and worthy of statehood. Maybe they will even believe in history and facts for a day

[Violet_Crumble]

7. Who's 'they' And why do you say that?

Persoanlly I think offering the recognition to run for the same length if time is a very logical and reasonable idea....