Wednesday, November 18, 2009

My letter to the CSM RE Middle East peace: Is two-state solution kaput? By John V. Whitbeck

A map of Jerusalem showing the main Israeli settlements. Israel approved the construction of hundreds of new housing units in annexed Arab east Jerusalem on Tuesday, driving another stake into troubled US efforts to restart Middle East peace talks. (AFP/Graphic/File)


RE: Middle East peace: Is two-state solution kaput? If a two-state deal isn't reached by 2011, then Palestinians should push for a one-state solution. By John V. Whitbeck
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1117/p09s01-coop.html

Dear Editor,

"Palestinian divisions, both geographic and political allow Israel to dominate all agreements and negotiations." Gaza: A World Away by Britain Eakin for MIFTAH http://www.miftah.org/Display.cfm?DocId=21048&CategoryId=13

(MITAH is The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy)

Fragmenting the conversation away from firm support for Palestine and the Arab Peace Initiative, 1State VS 2State allegiances become yet another way to divide Palestine's supporters. Here in America, with our constitution ensuring that we really do become a more real democracy, it is VERY easy to be convinced that a feel good one state "solution" to the Israel/Palestine conflict will stop the conflict... but will it?

Will a one state "solution" magically inspire full respect for basic human rights and a more real democracy or will it mainly mean that Zionist politicians, investors, and propagandists learn how not to be so obvious about institutionalized bigotry... Will a one state "solution" really stop the longest running refugee crisis in the world today, or will even more Palestinians be impoverished and displaced- minus the official status of refugee.

We need to be noticing that if a two-state deal is not reached that is the end of a place called Palestine and the dreams of many who really do not want to be Israeli. Will that help calm down the region- or will it enrage and empower extremists everywhere?

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab


A Palestinian workers walks by an empty construction site of a housing development in the neighborhood of Gilo, in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Nov. 17. 2009. A top Palestinian official says there is no point in negotiating while Israel expands Jewish neighborhoods in the part of Jerusalem the Palestinians want for their capital. The rebuke from negotiator Saeb Erekat came as the Jerusalem district planning commission deposited a plan for building 900 more housing units next to an existing Jewish neighborhood in east Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Dan Balilty)

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