Comments on: Middle East Peace: We cannot afford to do nothing.

By: MikeFitz

MikeFitz — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 09:05:33 +0000

Yeah, History (aka the blame game) and Religion (a tool to divide men) are exactly the things that need to be consciously put aside before peace can be discovered. And I agree, it won’t be easy.

It frustrates me that people put History and Religion before the lives of human beings, and before our very survival as a species.

By: Juha

Juha — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 08:52:14 +0000

I’m not entirely sure if a political solution is going to work, unfortunately. History and religion are two very strong factors in the region, and at loggerheads with common sense.

Now it looks like Syria might get drawn in as well.

By: MadameBoffin

MadameBoffin — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 02:31:39 +0000

I like the idea of both Israelis and Palestinians voting in each other’s elections - it has it’s attractions but, as you say, I’m not sure how implementing it will go. I agree that more global co-operation is needed but I find that the UN is like a de-clawed cat, mostly incapable of doing anything. It gets bogged down in diplomatic processes to the point where action comes too late to be truly useful. However, in the absence of any other likely global union, the UN it has to be. I would disagree, quite strongly, however, with Ben’s comment that Israel is not an aggressor. Although I’m neither pro-Palestinian or anti-Israeli, I feel that historical events and current actions would lend themselves (for me anyway) to a valid interpretation that Israel is just as aggressive as Arabs in these conflicts, if not more so.

By: Ben Dullroy

Ben Dullroy — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 23:46:39 +0000

Mike

The 1st barrier to progression in the peace process is the respective militias of Hamas and Hezbollah - until they have been disarmed they will constantly be a threat to Israel and the nations they inhabit. No matter what negotiations and peace settlements Israel negotiates with Palestine and Lebanon, if the Governments are powerless to stop Hamas / Hezbollah attacking Israel, they are bound to fail. Israel in modern times is not an agressor, unless there is provocation. They most definetly don’t follow the Law of Armed Conflict principle of proportionality, which is something they need to change. Israel cannot sit on its hands as the militias of Hamas and Hezbollah ignore cease fire arrangements and peace treaties their governments have made - sooner or later, Israel will strike back.
The UN and international community AND the Arab League need to take the lead in disarming the militias - only the national defence force should be armed and have the right to conduct warfare in the country’s name. Only when this have been achieved can we actually expect progress in the Middle East to be made.

By: Julie O.

Julie O. — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 22:28:53 +0000

Hi Mike

I’m so glad there is some constructive thinking coming out of this. I recall you referring me to lateral thinking before, but I confess I didn’t give it much thought at the time.

You are right, the current course of status quo semi-peace or all out war are not working. We do need some radical new approaches that don’t include bombing children. As much as I prefer the US to be a leader in the world, I agree that our current Administration has made that impossible right now, and I hope that positive leadership can come from somewhere else.

By: Nora Charles

Nora Charles — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 05:02:40 +0000

Hi Mike,
Thank you for the comment on our blog - its nice to meet a fellow Qlder in the blogosphere.

Also, thank you to the pointer to the CM’s blog on the issue. I’ve added my 0.02 and I’m sure Nicky will have something to say as well.

– Nora