Bush on Israel - Page 2 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

dc_dux · 01-22-2008, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratbastid

Well wouldja look at that...

http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL2057323.html

So, Israel has a choice. Return land annexed in the '60's and have peaceful normalized relations with its neighbors, or not. Any guesses at what will happen next?

What choice?

There is nothing new here. It is a rehash of the 2002 Arab League proposal in which Israel, as a pre-condition to negotiations, is required to make major concessions and the neighboring hostile Arab state are not.

Israel would be required give up territory including the strategically vital Golan Heights (btw, Iran is not a member of the Arab League and would love to have the Golan returned to its puppet, Syria) and agree to the "right of return" of Palestinians (which could effectively give Israel a 40% Arab minority population and a majority within a generation or two). Both of these issues can and should be subject to negotiation, but not pre-conditions.

And the Arab states have no pre-condition to take action against terrorists that they harbor (and fund, in many instances)...but they may then "normalize" relations with Israel (the Arab League will not specifically agree to language that recognize Israel's right to exist - they suspended Egypt for such language in the Camp David accords).

There is not an Israeli politician, from Labor to Likud, who would agree to such one-side concessions before even coming to the negotiation table.

I sure as hell wouldnt.

Mojo_PeiPei · 01-22-2008, 03:08 PM

Some people would also be smart to note that Israel has made peace with some of its neighbors, namely Egypt and Jordan, pushing 30+ years at this point. It normalized relations and was beneficial to all parties.

Charlatan · 01-22-2008, 04:26 PM

I am glad to see that the Arab League has renewed their commitment to this offer. It is exactly the sort of thing that this process requires.

I can agree that the Golan Heights is going to be a difficult part to negotiate.

That said, the key word in that last phrase is negotiate. As long as the parties continue to talk to each other in an effort to move forward (rather than call for Intifada or more settlements) it can't be anything but a step in the right direction.

It is also key that the Arab League is behind this because it their support of Palestine (often just moral support but usually more) that gives Palestine increased power.

As for Iran... yes they are a potential fly in the ointment. That said, if the "Arab Jews" start to work with the "Arab Muslims", the Shia Persians may have reason to be quelled.

Mojo_PeiPei · 01-22-2008, 05:40 PM

Anybody know if this cuurent Arab league is the successor to the Arab League of Nations, the body that is a big reason as to why Palestinians are in this predicament?

01-22-2008, 03:08 PM	#42 (permalink)
Mojo_PeiPei Kiss of Death Location: Perpetual wind and sorrow	Some people would also be smart to note that Israel has made peace with some of its neighbors, namely Egypt and Jordan, pushing 30+ years at this point. It normalized relations and was beneficial to all parties. __________________ To win a war you must serve no master but your ambition.

01-22-2008, 04:26 PM	#43 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I am glad to see that the Arab League has renewed their commitment to this offer. It is exactly the sort of thing that this process requires. I can agree that the Golan Heights is going to be a difficult part to negotiate. That said, the key word in that last phrase is negotiate. As long as the parties continue to talk to each other in an effort to move forward (rather than call for Intifada or more settlements) it can't be anything but a step in the right direction. It is also key that the Arab League is behind this because it their support of Palestine (often just moral support but usually more) that gives Palestine increased power. As for Iran... yes they are a potential fly in the ointment. That said, if the "Arab Jews" start to work with the "Arab Muslims", the Shia Persians may have reason to be quelled. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

01-22-2008, 05:40 PM	#44 (permalink)
Mojo_PeiPei Kiss of Death Location: Perpetual wind and sorrow	Anybody know if this cuurent Arab league is the successor to the Arab League of Nations, the body that is a big reason as to why Palestinians are in this predicament? __________________ To win a war you must serve no master but your ambition.