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SLM3 · 08-24-2003, 01:47 PM

I wonder about your perspective concerning the 1973 war. Sadat had made numerous attempts at peace with Israel just prior to 1973. In February 1971, Sadat offered a full peace treaty on the pre-June 1967 borders, with security guarantees, recognized borders, etc. This attempt at peace cause panic within Israel and was immediately turned down. What's funny is this offer was more generous than the one Sadat made in 1977, when he was decalred a "man of peace". Jordan followed suit with an offer to recognize Israel and this too was ignored. Along with Israel's rejection of Sadat's offer was an increase in the number of "settlements" in the occupied areas.

After Sadat's daring attempt at peace with Israel, he knew he'd be forced to use his military if he was flat out rejected. After Israel shot down 13 Syrian planes while losing just one Israeli plane in September 1973, an editor of an Israeli journal wrote, "This battle will remind our Arab neighbours that they cannot manage their affairs without taking into consideration who is the true master of this region." In October 1973, Sadat made good on his threat. To paint out this confrontation as simply Egypt being the aggressors of a poor, innocent Israel is to be intellectually dishonest.

As someone who was in Lebanon in 1982 when Israel invaded for the second time, I find it insulting that you somehow blame Lebanon for what Israel did there. 20,000 Lebanese, mostly civilians, died during this second invasion. The reckless air raids on Beirut, the support of the Phalange in their massacre at Sabra and Chatila, the torture camp of Al-Khiam, and the list goes on and on. Now I'm not sure whether I can assume you even have an interest in what occured there, considering your misspelling of the country, but if you do actually care then I recommend you read "Pity the Nation" by Robert Fisk. It's highly critical of all sides involved and is easily the best account of what went on there that I've ever read.

I'm also astonished that you blame the Palestinians soley as the ones who have avoided peace. When England and the UN decided to partition the land of the Palestinians, giving 55% to the overwhelming minority, can you seriously blame the Palestinians for resisting? And can you blame them for rejecting the farce of a peace plan introduced in the 90's? Have you even seen a map of the proposed Palestinian state as it emerged from those talks? A number of small clumps of land, all sperated from each other and sorrounded by Israel on all sides. You'll have to excuse me if I don't jump up and down for joy at that prospect.

Ya know, no one in this conflict is innocent, but if you don't atleast know some of the history then it's ok to just say so and bow out instead of making broad generalizations with no basis in fact and history.

08-24-2003, 01:47 PM	#38 (permalink)
SLM3 Insane	I wonder about your perspective concerning the 1973 war. Sadat had made numerous attempts at peace with Israel just prior to 1973. In February 1971, Sadat offered a full peace treaty on the pre-June 1967 borders, with security guarantees, recognized borders, etc. This attempt at peace cause panic within Israel and was immediately turned down. What's funny is this offer was more generous than the one Sadat made in 1977, when he was decalred a "man of peace". Jordan followed suit with an offer to recognize Israel and this too was ignored. Along with Israel's rejection of Sadat's offer was an increase in the number of "settlements" in the occupied areas. After Sadat's daring attempt at peace with Israel, he knew he'd be forced to use his military if he was flat out rejected. After Israel shot down 13 Syrian planes while losing just one Israeli plane in September 1973, an editor of an Israeli journal wrote, "This battle will remind our Arab neighbours that they cannot manage their affairs without taking into consideration who is the true master of this region." In October 1973, Sadat made good on his threat. To paint out this confrontation as simply Egypt being the aggressors of a poor, innocent Israel is to be intellectually dishonest. As someone who was in Lebanon in 1982 when Israel invaded for the second time, I find it insulting that you somehow blame Lebanon for what Israel did there. 20,000 Lebanese, mostly civilians, died during this second invasion. The reckless air raids on Beirut, the support of the Phalange in their massacre at Sabra and Chatila, the torture camp of Al-Khiam, and the list goes on and on. Now I'm not sure whether I can assume you even have an interest in what occured there, considering your misspelling of the country, but if you do actually care then I recommend you read "Pity the Nation" by Robert Fisk. It's highly critical of all sides involved and is easily the best account of what went on there that I've ever read. I'm also astonished that you blame the Palestinians soley as the ones who have avoided peace. When England and the UN decided to partition the land of the Palestinians, giving 55% to the overwhelming minority, can you seriously blame the Palestinians for resisting? And can you blame them for rejecting the farce of a peace plan introduced in the 90's? Have you even seen a map of the proposed Palestinian state as it emerged from those talks? A number of small clumps of land, all sperated from each other and sorrounded by Israel on all sides. You'll have to excuse me if I don't jump up and down for joy at that prospect. Ya know, no one in this conflict is innocent, but if you don't atleast know some of the history then it's ok to just say so and bow out instead of making broad generalizations with no basis in fact and history.