There's a few problems when it comes to the discussion of Israel.
1.) Thanks to the 24/7 media pundits in the USA, the very nature of debate is starting to die. The idea of being able to sit down with someone who shares different views than you, and have a discourse with them in which facts and opinions are shared freely and with respect, is disappearing.
Not just in the USA, but elsewhere, and I include Canada in that. Civilized debate is under a serious threat, and yet, no one seems to mind.
2.) Also, thanks to 24/7 media pundits, if you so much as say a word against Israel, you automatically support their destruction. This is as untrue as saying being against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan mean you do not support our troops.
The fact of the matter is, saying something against Israel is not endorsing their destruction. So, now that I've said my piece on that, let's get to the heart of the matter.
Israel is defending themselves from a threat most of the world cannot imagine, I will not begrudge that fact. However, on the reverse, we cannot simply allow carte blance for Israel's actions.
There's the old logical problem that asks how a person decides to become a terrorist, or a suicide bomber, or what have you. Logical following suggests that the status of that person's life, say their living conditions, and the living conditions of their family and friends is often a spurring motive for these people.
There are also others who would suggest that things as simple as religious ideology or political beliefs also spur these people on. I'm sure for some, that is true, but so is the above example for others.
The conditions in the West Bank are deplorable, I'm sure no one can dispute that. As such, the entire region is a breeding ground of discontent and anger; and eventually, that anger will find itself directed physically on Israel.
Now, Israel is not completely to blame. Groups like Hamas that spur citizens of the West Bank and Gaza into taking action are also at fault.
But the problem is that both sides have crossed the line. Both sides have escalated things to the point where the words War Crimes don't even begin to cover what is going on in that part of the world.
We also need to acknowledge a few essential truths:
After the Six-Days War, Israel occupied the areas that they are now currently in. Despite some international pressure, Israel has held onto the West Bank and Gaza, and pushed for settlement in the areas, despite not technically being a part of Israel.
The annexation of territory from one country to another is a rarity in modern times; with exception of course of annexations that took place during WWII by Germany, the USSR, and other nations at the time. To the best of my knowledge, the West Bank and Gaza have never officially been annexed, and thanks to the Oslo Accords; Israel was supposed to withdraw from some of these areas.
Effectively, Israel is breaking international law by occupying these areas in contradiction of international agreements, and furthermore by continuing to mass settlements in the area.
On the other hand, the peace process has also been hampered by groups like Hamas standing by their idea that Israel should be destroyed and does not have a right to exist.
This, of course, is false. Israel does have a right to exist, much in the same way that Canada or Argentina have a right to exist as countries.
By refusing to accept nothing less than the complete destruction of Israel, radical Palestinian groups are only further escalating tensions and violence between Israel and themselves.
So, the truths we need to realize:
Israel's own actions help contribute to violence by their refusal to stop occupying the West Bank and Gaza; but Hamas and other radical Palestinian groups contribute to the problem by refusing to accept the end of occupation in those areas as a victory for Palestinians.
The other universal truth:
If we want to see peace in the Middle East, we must put as much pressure on Israel as we do on radical groups like Hamas. Also, if we pursue prosecution against Palestinian groups for attacks on Israel; we must also examine whether the treatment given to those in the West Bank and Gaza mean that prosecution must also fall on those responsible in Israel.
Both sides have fault in this issue, to say otherwise is simply wrong. As such, when the time comes to cast judgment, both sides will have to face their judge and jury and accept the outcome that comes from the actions they took.
That's more or less my argument, but I feel like I need to clarify a few things before I get quoted out of context.
1.) Israel has a right to exist, and a right to defend themselves from radicals that seek their destruction, BUT...
2.) Israel has to withdraw from the West Bank and Gaza and other territories that they do not have a legal right to call part of Israel, and return to borders as they were before the Six-Day War.
3.) Both parties share equal responsibility for the escalating violence in the Middle East; as Hamas pushes Israel, and Israel cracks down, only more violence results from it. Violence begets violence, if you will.
I think that about covers it...I expect to be eviscerated by fellow JUBers in the coming posts, though...
