You are right - This is first priority

Submitted by Mary (Australia), Sep 10, 2003 at 02:10

Absolutely correct! The first priority should be unequivocal acceptance of Israel's right to exist in security, and the dismantling of terrorist groups whose aim is to destroy Israel rather than build up a functioning state of their own. Until such time there should be no concessions from Israel whatsoever and no pretense of a peace deal.
After 55 years of building up a victimhood mythology under the auspices of UNWRA, the Palestinians have become a radicalised and violent culture that may be too immature and peverse to care about building up anything, even a state of their own. That would require accountability, transparency and creating real jobs for the endless supply of youths, rather than using them as suicide bombers and rent-a-crowd mobs. It is much easier to just continue inciting hatred and keep everyone busy learning to kill and to instill a fantasy that Israel somehow is meant for them.
Added to that, the Islamic extremists are terrified at the prospect of any peace and stability. It would put them out of work and power. A successful secular, democratic state would contrast too greatly with the misery of life under repressive Sharia law. Any progress towards peace is therefore quickly undermined by these fanatics, whether between Israelis and the Palestinians or in Iraq. Peace is their enemy and they will sabotage it by any means.
It is time to be realistic and understand the motives of the enemy.

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