***I apologize if this isn't clearly written, I had a better post but it disappeared into the mists of Gather***
The basic outline of the Saudi Peace Initiative seems reasonable. But can the Israelis accept it? Their position on the "land for peace" has always been a negative one. Especially after the withdrawal from Gaza led to an increase in bombings and rocket attacks. However, this would be a comprehensive withdrawal, followed by a comprehensive peace plan. It would also bring Israel into line with regards to international law.
The first tenet of the plan would bring Israel into line with UN Resolution 242. The plan states that Israel should withdraw to its pre-1967 borders. This includes the Golan Heights and parts of southern Lebanon. Israel has previously rebuked the UN's resolution because they do not see it as leading to peace. If they give up the land, they want peace from all of the Arab nations, which this peace initiative would grant.
The second tenet would bring Israel in line with UN Resolution 194. This resolution is an affirment by the UN that Palestinians have a right to return. The Israelis argue that the Palestinians would not be friendly to their neighbors as is stipulated in the resolution. Possibly the right to return has disappeared, it might be impractical or even impossible to accomplish such a goal. However, the Israeli government could reimburse the Palestinians for property lost. This would give the Palestinians a financial basis on which to rebuild their country. Israel has thus far refused to do this.
The final tenet is mere recognition by the state of Israel of the state of Palestine. This it would seem would be easier for Israel to accept than it has been. If the Palestinians had a state, the argument against return might be bolstered. They could also deal with state heads as opposed to leaders of a movement. It was not so long ago that Israel was begging for recognition.
The Arabs would give Israel peace in return. All hostilities would cease and regular relations could begin. Israel could be a functioning member of the society it lives in and work with the others around it. Possibly this would be a very effective way for democracy to take hold in the region. Many terrorists would be defused by the acceptance of this initiative as its goals are similar to theirs.
What's everyone else's feeling on this issue? Can Israel accept this? What possible good could come of it? How might it negatively affect the world? All that jazz.
***Please do not post any angry responses, or anything involving the current campaign with Obama and McCain. Any posts like these will be deleted.***
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Comments: 6
Giving back East Jerusalem (and the Wailing Wall) is unthinkable. For years, under Jordanian control, Jews were prohibited from visiting the wall, and a return to this situation is not going to happen.
The Arabs insist that the Palestinians have a right to return, but most of the folks who fled Israel in its fledgling days are no longer with us. Most fled of their own free will, urged on by lies from the Arab propaganda machine which promised the quick annihilation of Israel. Oops.
Anyway, since these folks are gone, there is nobody to return. The Arab insistence on keeping their decedents in 'Refugee Camps' rather than integrating them into society is nothing more than a ploy designed to elicit pity, but, in effect has penalized in an attempt to grow hate.
Saudi Arabia refuses to admit Israel even exists, let them recognize Israel then they can put forth a peace proposal.
Talk about childish, refusing to recognize another nation, especially your neighbor who has been there for over 60 years, is the ultimate childish act.
I'll rephrase for the last part - almost all the Arabs who left in 1948 are now dead, therefore there is nobody to 'return'.
It's not childish to refuse to recognize another nation. A lot goes into the consideration of this step. That's why Kosovo's independence is an issue, or FYROM (Macedonia) or the US at its outset.
But more to the point, will Israel accept a plan for peace, now or ever?