Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Olmert Calls for Two State Solution
Many cheers to Ehud Olmert for publicly stating that the only solution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is a two-state solution. And even more cheers to him for indicating that future returns of land would be made through negotiations. These are both major steps towards a better situation in the region.
In the past, Israeli politicians knew that recommending a two-states solution was tantamount to political suicide. Pushing this agenda in peace negotiations has been even more dangerous than that, and is the primary reason why Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by fellow Israelis. But I’m a firm believer that the Palestinians need, deserve, and must have a state of their own. Only a two-state solution works in this situation.
In theory, I think the return of Gaza was a great thing. But in the absence of negotiations with the Palestinians over the borders and the fence, the move has only been seen as a land grab. Perhaps the return of Gaza was the largest step towards peace that the Israelis have made since the return of Sinai to Egypt. But it will never be seen as anything but selfish because we gave the Palestinians no option for self determination.
So I think this is a great step…assuming Olmert follows through on his words. Let’s hope he does.
Posted by Scottage at 11:07 PM /
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