Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Peace Between Israel and Palestine - Can Sharon be a Player?
Ariel Sharon has been promoting himself and his new party, Kadima, as the champions of peace with the Palestinians, and the only option for peace with security. Sharon trots out his return of Gaza to the Palestinian people as proof of his commitment to "two nations two states" and the "Road Map for Peace". But will the Palestinians ever trust Sharon as a negotiating partner?
For years, Israel refused to negotiate with Yasser Arafat because of the atrocities he committed against Israeli women and children. Eventually, Arafat was the only partner for peace Israel could find, but it was apparent that Israel never trusted him, and lobbied for a replacement whenever possible.
The Palestinians have legitimate objections to Ariel Sharon as a Partner for Peace, primarily centering on his role in the Sabra and Shatilla massacres. Most Palestinians I've spoken with consider Ariel Sharon a mortal enemy, and a person who can never, never be trusted.
If Ariel Sharon really values peace so highly, he would push for Shimon Perez or another dove to be Prime Minister, and take a high ranking Ministry. This would provide a true Partner for Peace, an active and trusted participant in the peace process.
Sharon will never do this, because Sharon's priority is not peace, Sharon's priority is power. In the upcoming election, Israel needs to question if Sharon can truly accomplish the agenda he is setting forth, or if his past well prevent his success.
Posted by Scottage at 12:16 AM /
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