My letter to the Guardian RE There's reason for optimism on Arab-Israeli peace

US secretary of state John Kerry (centre-L) hosts dinner for the Middle East peace process talks with Israeli justice minister Tzipi Livni (right 2nd from end) and Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat (3rd), in the US department of state on 29 July 2013. Photograph: Paul J Richards/AFP/Getty Images

RE There's reason for optimism on Arab-Israeli peace: Never before have the historical forces been so well-aligned for the achievement of a final deal. But, of course, we're not there yet By Michael Cohen

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jan/19/israel-palestine-peace-john-kerry-optimism

Dear Editor,

I agree with Michael Cohen's conclusion that there's reason for optimism on Arab-Israeli peace, although I think the major current pushing that likelihood forward is primarily the maturing of the global information age, and the hard work as well as the creativity of countless compassionate and intelligent and talented men, women and children who believe in nurturing a just and lasting peace for both Israel and for Palestine.

Wading through information & misinformation overload online, one can wallow endlessly in relentless rage and scorn for negotiations or one can seek out reasonable liberating avenues of thought where diplomacy, honor, dignity, decency, golden rule thinking- and full respect for international law and universal basic human rights shape a constructive global conversation.

A fully secular two state solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict once and for all (for everyone's sake) with a fully sovereign and free Palestine living in peace and security alongside Israel will allow the rule of fair and just laws as well as citizenship rights and responsibilities to emerge as victors.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES 

"People in neighbouring states have shown incredible compassion and opened their homes to hundreds of thousands of people but we all have a shared responsibility. It would be catastrophic if the neighbouring countries closed their borders to the thousands of people who flee the conflict every day. Yet how can we call on Syria’s neighbours to keep their borders open to refugees if we keep our own under lock and key?"

 

ATFP Briefing on Palestinian Refugees in Syria and the Crisis at Yarmouk: The National Press Club Washington DC- January 22nd, 2014

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The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Article 1

• All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

The Office of International Religious Freedom ( http://www.state.gov/j/drl/irf/ ) Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to:

Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

 Live by the Golden Rule

American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) supports Palestinian institution-building, good governance, anti-corruption measures, economic development, and improved living standards. ATFP categorically and unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians, no matter the cause and who the victims or perpetrators may be. http://www.americantaskforce.org/

The Arab Peace Initiative