My letter to the Wash Post RE Talking It Out in the Middle East letter by Robert A. Pastor

RE: Talking It Out in the Middle East letter by ROBERT A. PASTOR, co-director of the Center for Democracy and Election Management at American University and an adviser to the Carter Center.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092204310.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092204310_Comments.html

Dear Editor,

"It’s become more clear than ever that President Obama is not going to drop this issue or back down in the face of Israeli stonewalling on settlements. He’s not going to be dragged into an endless series of dead ends either." Hussein Ibish : Obama's UN speech greatly strengthens the Palestinian position in negotiations
http://www.ibishblog.com/blog/hibish/2009/09/23/obamas_un_speech_greatly_strengthens_palestinian_position_negotiations

I very much hope that the positive momentum for creating a just and lasting peace continues. Yes there are many naysayers and cynics eager to sabotage progress- but heavens, in stark contrast to them Obama's speech yesterday was TOTALLY inspiring and invigorating: "Nothing is easier than blaming others for our troubles, and absolving ourselves of responsibility for our choices and our actions. Anybody can do that. Responsibility and leadership in the 21st century demand more."
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113117230&ps=rs

Accountability: We the people really can help keep the conversation on track- knowing that it is good to see this very reasonable letter "Talking It Out in the Middle East".

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the full text of which appears in the following pages. Following this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and "to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories."

Useful Links

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PREAMBLE

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction....[READ MORE]