To achieve a "change of heart"?
Reader comment on item: U.S. to Israel: Do As We Say ...

Submitted by Alain Jean-Mairet (Switzerland), Jul 4, 2003 at 15:51

I can understand that it is better, more efficient and balanced, to let Israeli "solve" their problem with Palestinian extremists by themselves. But I can't see how to condone their "self-protection" will achieve, of in any way contribute to achieve, the undergoing of a change of heart among Palestinians?

I think that the present position of Israel would be perfect anywhere else on earth. But this is the "holy land". "God" ordered to fight till death for protecting it. Hence to "steal" it, as Palestinians are led to perceive the situation, ie the very existence of (the state of) Israel, constitutes an unpardonable act of violence. This is enough, in this particular region, for "justifying" (don't get me wrong---it is not justified, of course) any act of revenge, even generations ahead. Hence just about anything Israel does there will possibly worsen Palestinians' hearts.

Is there some reflection going on about a genuine way to support this "change of heart"? The Road Map might help a bit, but not just by itself. And it doesn't say a word about that quite central issue. Who will teach peace there? The PA? Israel? The U.S.? The U.N.? And how? As in Iraq, the difficulties won't vanish because no-one treats them seriously.

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