Misconceived Realities
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- Published on Saturday, 02 June 2012 14:06
By: Mitri I. Musleh
The political problems that currently exist in Palestine have far reaching consequences that affect not only current generations of Palestinian and Israeli populace, but also, all other future generations.
Throughout the years, I have devoted my life searching for a peaceful resolution that would appease both the Palestinians and Israelis. I truly believe that I have finally found such a resolution embedded within the concept of Maslow's humanitarian approach to the understanding and the betterment of human conditions in general. I further documented such approach in my recently published (November 2011) book, The Ambiguous Triangle.
The research methodology I applied in formulating my theory was based on years of research, writing, evaluating and editing my approach. In the midst of it all, a great deal of attention was concentrated in satisfying the needs of the common people who are directly affected by the conflict.
This approach in itself is a progress towards an objective that may benefit the majority of the people involved. However, my idea or theory may become to be debated in the future as, perhaps, an interesting academically researched psychological approach to resolving a political problem. However, my idea will not be part of the many previously applied political or military approaches that have miserably failed in addressing the needs of the people.
During my research, I was extremely disappointed with the lack of progress applied by many nations and individuals in achieving peace between the two foes, the Palestinians and Israelis. Such a failure or lack of progress can be attributed to the nature of the efforts applied and their aim in serving the political, economic or religious needs of certain individuals or countries rather than the needs of the common people.
While ending the Israeli occupation remains a major pillar to peacefully resolving the conflict, much work needs to be accomplished in establishing facts on the ground that would eventually lead to achieving progress without undermining the political, economic or religious values of certain individuals or countries.
On the political front:
With Israel's reluctance in respecting the proposed United States two-state solution and the United Nations past and current resolutions, it becomes evident that Israel's leadership is only interested in maintaining the status quo and has no interest in meeting the needs of its people or that of the Palestinian people. With that in mind, The Palestinian people must keep in mind that Israel holds the key that unlocks the door to a long lasting peace in the region. This realization and acceptance of the factual proceeding statement signals progress in achieving a long lasting resolution to the conflict.
As it has been further implied by Israel's leadership, past and present, the Palestinians must always be the ones deciding on how peace can be achieved. It will be a step in the right direction if this burden is placed on the lap of Israel's leader. To do that, the struggle of the Palestinian people must shift from demanding a two-state to a one-state solution. By doing so, Israel's government would have to choose to either live in peace with a recognized, free and respected sovereign Palestine, or choose to accept the Palestinians as full members of equal rights as citizens of the state of Israel.
On May 21, 2012, the Israeli Knesset approved a law that will see those who donate to pro-settlement organizations a 35% tax exemption on their donations. Knesset Coalition Chairman, Ze'ev Elkin, who himself is a settler, admitted that the purpose of the law is to encourage Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This is just further proof that Israel is not prepared to accept a sovereign Palestinian state living side by side the Israeli state.
The proceeding argument should be compelling enough to persuade the Palestinian people to begin a peaceful struggle in an attempt to achieve civil liberties within a One-State solution even if that state is Israel.
On the economic font:
Finding a solution to the Palestinian problem, based on a one-sate or two-State model would result in the Middle East of becoming a future world economic power. In this respect, every one becomes a winner. The rewards that all citizens can reap cannot be measured by any means.
On the religious side:
The Palestinians are insisting on calling old Jerusalem as their capital city. Israel is insisting on naming Jerusalem as their capital city and is determined on keeping the city united.
With peace prevailing on a two state solution, Palestine can name East Jerusalem as its capital, while Israel can name West Jerusalem as its capital without jeopardizing the free movement of the people between the two capitals.
In case of a one state solution, Jerusalem can be named as capital city of Israel as long as the Palestinian citizens of Israel have equal rights and liberties within the state of Israel. This would include current Palestinians living in proper Israel, all Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, and all Palestinians who wish to return home from years of displacement.
