<RANT> JDG. Given a universal ban on "terrorism," and renunciation of terrorism by the PA, and a commitment by the PA to vigorously enforce its implicity monopoly on cross-boarder force, then Palestine and Israel could reach a negotiated settlement.
However, as a conservative I do not for the life of me understand *WHY* Israelis would trade land for security when they already have the *F____NG* security. If you honestly believe that rational statesmen trade land when they have absolutely *ZERO* incentive to do so then you are guilty of the worst wooly-headed, liberal, utopianism. In my world view neither Israeli nor Palestinian agents are goining to contravene political-economic rationality that egregiously. <Calmer now: the main point> > the international community could > recognize that terrorism ... is inherently and intrinsically evil. Raised Mennonite I believe that war is inherently and intrinsically evil. <1>War is inherently evil. However as a recovering Mennonite and Athiest I have come to believe that war is simply a regretable part of the human condition. It is somtimes rational, and very, very occasionally the least of possible evils and "necessary". <2> Very often, even usually, "terrorism" is not an isolated crime but a rational act of war. <2a> Terrorism is typically commited by the weaker party. (This is relevant since many ethical or moral systems, including Catholic theologies, grant a "preferential option" to disadvantaged parties--all else being equal.) <2b> Terrorist acts _per se_ are no worse than some regretable, but generally acceptable acts of war. <conclusion> In short "terrorism" is a tool of war and statecraft. It is no better or worse than other forms of socially sanctioned types of violence, force, or coercion that are more-or-less acceptable for reasons of state or of civil emergency...or even civil threat. The "legitimacy" of terrorist acts must thus be considered situationally and in the context of ethical conduct in extreme situations, most notable acceptable behavior by combatants and states in time of war. On Wednesday 27 March 2002 21:30, you wrote: > At 10:28 PM 3/26/02 +0100 J. van Baardwijk wrote: > >How else is this conflict going to be resolved? > > Well a start would be the international community pressuring Palestine to > renounce the use of terror. Continuing, the international community could > recognize that terrorism against Jews is no different than terrorism > against any other people, and is inherently and intrinsically evil. > Moreover, the international community could then announce that it will not > *tolerate* negotiations with terrorists, let alone encourage them. > > Once this done, the Israelis and Palestinians could then reach a negotiated > peace agreement. > > John D. > __________________________________________________________ > John D. Giorgis - [EMAIL PROTECTED] - ICQ #3527685 > "We fight against poverty because faith requires it and > conscience demands it." - George W. Bush 3/22/02
