Peace baby...Follow

Middle East peace - chasing rainbows or possible reality?

Negotiations continue though it's a bumpy road. There had been a moratorium preventing any new houses being built in the the Israeli settlements on the West Bank. Abbas has threatened to end negotiations if the moratorium is not extended. The US has called on long-time peace messenger George Mitchell.

I was watching King Abdullah the other night on the daily show, besides having the most awesome moniker ever, he seems to have it together. Thought, presumably he has little sway as a Middle-east leader. He claims if these peace talks fail, the Middle East will see more war and chaos - mostly at Iran's lead.

The question has been asked here before about the possibility of middle-east peace. Has anyone become more hopeful?




Edited, Sep 29th 2010 3:38pm by Elinda

No.

"Peace? <gurgly voice> Noooo peace."
"What is it that you want from us?"
"Diiiiieeeeeeeeeeee."


http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/aluf-benn-lieberman-is-making-a-liar-out-of-netanyahu-1.316270



Israel, like the U.S. is running under an umbrella of unchecked ignorance and hatred. Despite the good will efforts of a few, there will never be a true option for peace so long as Israel keeps painting themselves the victim, rather than the bully.

Neither are Israelis, you know.

That's kinda anti-Semitic and probably unsupported. I'm sure there are plenty of Israelis who would rather kill Palestinians than become rich. Just as I'm sure there are plenty of Palestinians who would rather kill Israelis than achieve peace. It seems a majority of the two sides hate each other. While there is definitely a movement promoting peace and unity, their efforts are constantly undermined by the actions of the more violent members of both sides.

I don't think peace will happen with a unified country. Lieberman is a douche, but he's right - there's pretty much no chance of it happening this generation. While some folks like King Abdullah seem legitimately interested in peace, they don't have enough of an effect to change things.

I used to be pretty hopeful I'd see a peace settlement between Israel and Palestine in my lifetime. Then I went to Israel for 10 days, including a few days in the West Bank, and since then I'm pretty certain we won't. Like others have said, there is simply not enough common will on either side to make it work. Regardless of the rights and wrongs of each side, and both have plenty of each, they are further apart now then they have been in the last 30 years.

Too many extremists on both sides. Too much blood shed. Too many people having vested interests in stoking up the flames of hatred and conflict. I do think Abbas is doing a good job in the West Bank, a behaviour should be rewarded by having a freeze on settlements and serious peace talks. But the settlements won't stop, which means the Palestinians will not agree to continue negotiations.

It's even more of a shame since everyone knows what the peace template looks like. Both sides know exactly where the fair compromise stands. Both sides even pretty much agree with it, but there simply isn't enough trust and goodwill on either side for it to work.

What makes it all even more ****** up is that the longer this situation continues, the more likely it is that extremists on both sides will profit. Everytime Abbas loses, Hamas gains. Every time an Israeli government refuses to stand up to its settlers, they become empowered.

I do think that the era of huge peace talks in Camp David is over, though. What matters now is the reality on the ground. If there ever is to be peace there, it will happen through a unilateral declaration of independence by Palestine, which will have to be supported by some states. Israel will retreat behind its wall, and maybe, maybe, something will come out of it. Even that scenario is ridiculously unlikely, though.

If I was a betting man, I'd bet that we will see Israel bombing Iran before we see the creation of a Palestinian state.

Right, 'cause if it was one thing Jesus was, it was accepting. Unless you didn't believe him, then you went to hell. (Of which he was happy to remind you) He also never tried to convert anyone. Of course not. @#%^, varus. I actually don't know what to say. Have you read your holy book? There are barbaric atrocities in the Old AND New Testaments. The reason moderate Christians are moderate Christians are that they don't take it to be literal instructions. The same with Muslims, you ignorant pile of waste.

Edited, Sep 29th 2010 10:28am by Quadkit

First off, I wasn't asking you. Second, just because I kill them doesn't mean I've ever eaten one, fuckwit.

You've probably met Jews here, in the US. You're comparing them to what? Middle Eastern radicals? Grow up, junior. The Israelis are committing horrific acts of terrorism, too. Fox News just happens to like them, so you don't hear about it as much. They're ALL at fault. I'm almost willing to bet you've NEVER come in contact with a Muslim in the US. If you have, you're an idiot in addition to a bigot.

Edited, Sep 29th 2010 11:22am by Quadkit