Lest We Forget...

I started this off as an exploration of the sacrifices made by our forefathers in WW I and WW II that ultimately shaped the world we live in. However, rather than dwell upon the horrors that passed long before I was even born, I thought I'd explore something a little more current.

It seems vaguely appropriate that Yasser Arafat passed away last night, leaving Palestinians to grieve his passing today. For good or bad, no one man has done more to advance the cause of the Palestinian people. Whether or not you liked his methods, there was something to be admired in the man's tenacity and conviction.

In the aftermath of Arafat's death, the Israel - Palestine conflict remains unresolved. Of course, there are the expected calls for a renewed "peace process". President Bush has long been on record that he felt that Arafat was an obstacle to peace, and not a solution. Of course, on the other side of the coin, Israeli Prime Minister Sharon is the same man whose actions triggered the current "intifata" uprising in the first place.

From the Israelis (and the Americans as well), we hear all kinds of "conditional" support for starting a peace process. Sharon has been quoted as saying:

reiterating a long-standing demand, Sharon said that progress toward peace would “depend first and foremost on a cessation of terrorism and if they (the Palestinian leaders) wage a war on terror.”

This is like the dysfunctional family where parental approval never happens. "Oh great, you got 90% on your test - now what happened to the other 10%?"

The fact is that both sides have legitimate grievances - the Israelis have every right to be upset with the Palestinians and the constant bombings, and small rocket attacks. Equally, the Palestinians have lived under Israeli military occupation for decades. Military occupation, no matter how "benevolent" it claims to be is oppressive and ultimately counter-productive.

Both sides must put their differences aside and attend the negotiating table in earnest. Neither side can claim a "moral high ground" - and countries like the US that are apt to wind up playing broker in those negotiations must not give either party preferential treatment. Israel's conduct with regards to the Palestinians is as reprehensible as the suicide bombers, the world powers need to recognize this and bring pressure to bear on both sides to find a means to achieve lasting peace.

However, there may be other reasons that peace in Israel is unlikely - reasons that have little to do with either the Israelis or the Palestinians...