On the Path for Peace
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- Published on Saturday, 19 May 2012 17:34
By: Mitri I. Musleh
Israel is the only county in the Middle East that has the power to take a leadership role in promoting peace and tranquility in that region of the world.
Over the past few years, Israel recorded the highest GDP in the region. This economic power coupled with its military superiority, made Israel the only country who can determine war or peace in the region.
Netanyahu's government is supported with fragile and conservative elements within the Israeli political system. Another word, Netanyahu seemed weak and unable to take constructive steps to achieve a lasting peace for his people. He however, and by building the security wall, was able to stop all suicide bombing operations inside Israel. Even though this is a positive step in his reign, he knew that He and others could not control the Palestinian people who are now calling for the establishment of a one-state solution. To maintain democratic practices in Israel, sooner or later, the Palestinians would be given the right to vote in Israel. With the Palestinian population current numbers standing at about 47% of that of the Jewish population, I would not be surprised to see a Palestinian prime minister elected to lead Israel within a very short time.
With Israel achieving both the economic and military superiority in the region, its leaders continue to lack the political strength that is needed to conceal a decisive victory for peace, security and economic stability
Establishing partnership with Kadima party leader Shaul Mofaz, Prime Minister Netanyahu was successful in achieving a political victory in Israel that would ultimately lead to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
On May 8th 2012, Netanyahu said that "his new coalition government will promote a 'responsible' peace process with the Palestinians".
Part of the deal struck between Netanyahu and Mofaz will see Mofaz appointed as deputy prime minister of Israel. This is significant because Mofaz is advocating an immediate recognition of a Palestinian state with provisional borders.
With Israel's top leaders advocating the establishment of a Palestinian state, both leaders need to fully understand the depth associated with establishing peace and how the peace process would affect the region's political, and economic stability for years to come.
The Palestinian position is very clear and right to the point. They are only asking for 22% of original Palestine. They are also asking for an Israel's leaders and all world governments to recognize and compensate the Palestinian refugees for years of pain, suffering and the loss of properties.
In addition, Israel must withdraw from all occupied Palestinian lands including East Jerusalem and destroy the so called 'security' wall.
It will be further understood that Jerusalem will be an open city with Israel controlling West Jerusalem and the Palestinians controlling East Jerusalem. With such an agreement in place, the religious places in the city of Jerusalem will be placed under direct supervision and control of appointed religious leaders from the three faiths whose ultimate duty will be to secure religious freedom to all worshipers within the boundaries of the city regardless of their religion, creed or color.
With any proposed agreement containing less than the above elements, peace would remain to be a word we use to fool ourselves and others.
