Powell gave a “major” foreign policy speech at the Univ of Louisville this morning. I wanted something specific in terms of a new Administration policy re Palestine and Israel; I would have loved to hear that he was inviting [on such a such date] Sharon and Arafat to sit down and figure out:
establishment of a Palestinian state
dual acceptance of the boundries
decision about Jerusalem.
Enough said about the violence must end, the settlements must stop, the end of the occupation.
What did I hear: the Palestinians must, must, must, must. Little did I hear about the Israelis must, must, must, must. Both sides have accepted the Mitchell proposal and the various UN resolutions [sorta]. Both sides have said they are willing to compromise… yet we get two months of “let’s wait and see”, tanks in Gaza, targetted killing of Palestinian leaders … by Sharon’s govt. The Palestinians keep shooting settlers… ugly. We had an administratoin who basically withdrew until 9/11. The consequence is that we have int’l terrorists who have taken the issue to our shores. Obviously, the bottom line rests with getting the two sides talking.
If this admin is truely against terrorism, it seems to me that Powell should have said today:
. Israeli and Palestinian leaders have one week to get their papers and positions together for an int’l peace meeting hosted by the US which will clearly state that its position is the Mitchell proposal.
. The US will not support two groups/nations basically at war at the end of that date. We will remove all financial, economic, military and moral support.
. Resolution of specific issues will be met with renewed US financial, economic, military and moral support.
I’m sad that the admin did not take a strong position on this issue. We haven’t been “pushed” into this because of the terrorist attacks in the US. It is in our interest to get this issue de-militarized. As the world leader, we have no choice in providing workable leadership.
Hold on . . . I think you’d be hard pressed to support the assertion that the 9/11 attacks were a direct result of the Israel/Palestine conflict, or the lack of US involvement.
Also, I find it very interesting that you’re actually advocating removal of all US support of anf trade with Israel. I’m sure a few moments’ thought will allow you to realize what a remarkably dangerous idea that is.
I agree that we have traditionally focused on the Palestinians for many reasons, some better than others. But bear in mind also that President Bush has called for the formation of a Palestinian state–and it’s expected Mr. Powell will do the same today.
This conflict has been a sore point for too many years. It is also the major issue that many Middle East/Arab countries have with the US. Yes, the Admin did say that they support the establishment of a Palestinian state - after 9/11. Tell me what this Admin did before to help settle this conflict - little to zilch.
My basic point is that the US needs to show strong leadership in moving towards a resolution on how to implement the Mitchell proposal. I don’t think Powell did that this morning.
Aren’t you sick and tired of the terrible mess there? Doesn’t your stomach turn over every time you hear about some suicide bomber taking out Israelis? or a military action that results in Palestinians being snuffed out? As I see it - there is terrorism on both sides. There are second and third generation Palestinian refugees for god’s sake.
Call it a Sharon rant if you will; I would love to shake him by his ears. Or call it an Arafat rant; I would love to throttle him with his headgear. Or, if it’ll make you feel better, call this a Bush rant if you want; I would love to throw all three of them into a padded cell, lock the door and hope for the best.
Well, if you did that, and if it worked, I’m guessing that Sharon would be rejected by his rightwing coalition and the treaty wouldn’t get ratified. Then I’m guessing that Hizbollah would ignore Arafat’s decision and keep blowing people up.
Here’s the problem with your first “solution.” If the United States pulls its aid from Israel, that benefits the Palestinians. What sort of incentive would that give them to accept a moderate position? Pulling aid from Israel and refusing it until an agreement is reached would only increase the chances of Arab nations wanting to capitalize on this and starting another war.
Next, I also think that Israel is not exactly dependant on our aid for their continued survival. They are a pretty self-sufficient state, and there are also others out there willing to provide them with it.
