GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
Reader comment on item: Throwing out the [Arab-Israeli] Rulebook

Submitted by R. DAVID SAXANOFF (United States), Jun 21, 2003 at 09:26

After having read the elements of difference in Dr. Pipes article between the president's peace initiative and of ther peace iniatives and given the current changes on the ground regarding the US war against terrorism, I remain skeptical at best. the reason for my skepticism is based on the following.

1. the plan calls for a return to proven indefensible boarders for Israel.
2. the plan intentionally or otherwise rewards terrorism by allowing it to be treated as freedom fighting.
3. it calls for the PA-PLO to act in a way that is contrary to it's charter and beliefs.
4. it rearms the terrorists and legitamizes them.
5. the roadmap does not have the support of congress or the American People.
6. it depends on resources that the contestants do not possess, Israel has no more land to give and the PA-PLO are not in business to make peace.
7. the Pa-Plo do not support it based on their actions.
8. the Arab neighborhood does not support it based on their actions.
9. The government has not proven it is sincere or truthful, which I consider to be to say what you mean, mean what you say and act accordingly. Roadmap vs. june 24 prouncement by the President.
10. The Arab states who are supporting and encouraging terrorism are too powerful with respect to their control of oil to allow the relocation of the conflict to occur.
11. By their behaviour they are largely undeterred regarding the American victories and the US is not prepared to wage war or impose sanctions on them becuase of our need for their product in order to recover economically.
12 The success of the roadmap is predicated upon a difference between politics and religion, and that difference does not exist in the middle east.
13. The roadmap is predicated upon a motivation for peace on the part of the PA-PlO leaders in order for them to provide to their people a better life, that enlightenment does not exist in the unchanged leadership in the PA-PLO. Arafat is still in charge and we are still negotiating with him. Peace to him and his followers can only come about through the destruction of Israel.
14 While I believe a difference always makes a difference, and I know sometimes almost insignificant differences can make for great changes, I see nothing in the way the roadmap is being implemented to be different than past failed attempts to halt the war. At best it will allow for a hudna, a rearming and at worse it will lead to the next war.

It is time that the American government to fight it's war against terrorism in the Levant. It will be less costly, any way that cost is measured, in the long run!

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