Gaza

Dear Friends,

I believe that Israel has the right to exist in peace and security, free from terrorist attacks.  I believe just as strongly that the Palestinians have the right to exist in peace and security, free from terrorist attacks.  I also believe that the only path to peace in the Middle East is the two state solution with Israel and Palestine existing side by side with security, freedom and opportunity for all people.  There will never be peace if the Palestinians are imprisoned in poverty and without hope in Gaza, and Hamas continues to fire rockets and attack Israel.

The biggest obstacle to achieving such a two state solution is the vicious circle of hatred, fear, violence, attacks, retaliation and retribution.  It seems that the extremists on both sides refuse to permit a break in this awful cycle.  I was struck by Roger Cohen's oped piece in the International New York Times this morning (here), "Why Americans See Israel the Way We Do".  Yes, I am writing from France today.  His piece ends with the following paragraph.

I find myself dreaming of some island in the middle of the Atlantic where the blinding excesses on either side of the water are overcome and a fundamental truth is absorbed: that neither side is going away, that both have made grievous mistakes, and that the fate of Jewish and Palestinian children — united in their innocence — depends on placing the future above the past. That island will no doubt remain as illusory as peace. Meanwhile, on balance, I am pleased to have become a naturalized American.

There will be no peace unless and until, the world and its politicians are able to have an honest discussion of the issues and as Mr. Cohen points out we focus on the future for the children both Jewish and Palestinian.

Thanks for reading and please comment,
The Unabashed Liberal