JDG wrote:Until a majority of Israelis can be convinced that the
Palestinians are fundamental serious about being not just viable, but also peaceful, then a Palestinian State is impossible, since a democracy/republic like Israel could never support such a State without being convinced of that seriousness.
Just for the sake of clarity, I think there are actually two issues here, two things that need to happen in order for Israel (and the US, for that matter) to accept the creation of a Palestinian state. One is the that Palestinians need to become serious about peaceful coexistence, and that means no more suicide bombings. That is unlikely to happen anytime soon, especially since the Israel government continues to build new settlements in the occupied territories. (I'm not saying that Israel's actions wrt the settlements justifies Palestinian suicide bombing, just that Israel's actions are certainly not helping an already bad situation.)
The other thing that needs to happen, once Palestinians become serious about peaceful coexistence, is that they then need to convince both the government and the people of Israel that they are really serious long-term, and are not just holding back and waiting for the appropriate moment to strike and strike hard. I think this second part is going to be much more difficult than the first.
As long as Arafat and other Palestinian leaders continue to make speeches in which they talk about looking forward to the day a Palestinian homeland will be established with its capital in Jerusalem, who will take their promises of peaceful coexistence seriously?
-- Ronn! :)
Almighty Ruler of the all, Whose Power extends to great and small, Who guides the stars with steadfast law, Whose least creation fills with awe, O grant thy mercy and thy grace, To those who venture into space.
(Robert A. Heinlein's added verse to the Navy Hymn)
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