Here we go again, then, with Israeli forces invading Palestine territories on the Gaza strip Saturday night – Live, as it were– following a week’s devastating air raids. Business as usual, really, while the international society keeps protesting, as if it’s any use at all. If Israeli territories territories were under Arab control, however, there’s every reason to suspect a different outcome.
Just give it a thought, if you please: Let’s say, for argument’s sake, that Israel was Iraq, in the hands of a president named Saddam Hussein, renowned for cruelties against Kurds – or Palestinians, for that matter – and the destabilisation of an entire region. How would you estimate the chances of a, say, American intervention?
Highly likely, no?
Unfortunately, however, Israel’s name is not Iraq, the president’s name is Shimon Peres and their Kurds are Palestinians. Too bad for them.
All about religion?
Of course, the picture isn’t quite that black and white. There are shades of grey – as well as other factors, too, but most people would agree that the issue of a two-state solution in what up until around 1950 was known as Palestine, isn’t very likely to materialise in our lifetime. I put it to you that future generation won’t see it happen either. The conflict is much too deep-rooted for that.
For one, there’s the matter that I’ve tried to point out for years on end: The Temple Mount, to which both Muslims, Jews and Christian – even Mandaeans – have a claim. So long as religion is a factor – which, unfortunately, it is – neither (Jewish or Muslim) party is likely to give up their claim to Jerusalem.
Also, the conflict isn’t quite as obvious as one would think, or, as The Washington Post’s Anthony Shadid puts it:
From Egypt to Saudi Arabia, longtime leaders of the Arab world, the attacks illustrated a yawning divide between the policies of rulers and the sentiments of those they rule. Although the Palestinian cause is cherished on the street, the region’s leaders are viewed as paying only lip service to it.
In other words, this isn’t just a matter of the Arab versus the Western world (keep in mind that there are Christian Palestinians, too).
Spiralling conflict
Up until the declaration of Israel as an independent state in 1948, Muslims, Jews and Christians co-existed quite amicably on Palestinian territory, which, no more than 60 years later seems an inconceivable scenario. Unfortunately 60 years is ample time to form permanent antagonism on both sides.
Two to three generations of Palestinian and Israeli children have grown up to fear and hate aggressors on the other side, and have every reason to. Palestinian children losing their siblings, parents and other relatives in Israeli air raids are likely to retaliate when they grow up. So are Israeli children struck by Hamas artillery.
This conflict is perpetual.
I’m afraid the international society’s call for a ceasefire is futile. As I see it, only an international intervention will do. Israel should be put under UN (the body which once facilitated the creation of the Israeli state) administration. Which, unfortunately, isn’t about to happen.
Unless Obama… I wouldn’t hold my breath.
No international intervention, then. Well, in that case, there’s really very little to be done. Or, as already mentioned: Business as usual.
Speaking of business: Without the presence of wars I’m afraid the American economy would be in a far worse state than it already is.
Top photo: Israeli tanks on manoeuvres. Photographer: Flickr/Chatsworth Larry
[...] – Insignificances [...]
For what it’s worth, and it is not worth a lot: At least the raging voices of these victims are heard prettymuch worldwide, and even though we can’t seem to do much about their plight we are at least aware of it.
How very true, KEE. However, we were, as I recall, fully informed of the 1982 atrocities taking place in Sabra and Shatila, too, which definitely made the world aware of the Israeli forces’ ways. Turned out it didn’t have much impact on their future conduct, though. To such little extent, in fact, that the man in charge, Ariel Sharon (then minister of defence) was elected Prime Minister in 2001.
Also, I think we’re simply too overwhelmed, too paralysed by cruelties taking place world-wide to really care — especially seeing as this particular conflict simply is infinite. Protests just will not do. I fear the only way to curb, if not eliminate, Palestine-Israel hostilities, is to subject Israel to international administration, an arrangement which may well prove to be a permanent one, as hostilities will resume once it’s lifted. And we don’t want that.
Jarle, when saying
“I fear the only way to curb, if not eliminate, Palestine-Israel hostilities, is to subject Israel to international administration,..”
… did you ever think about the measures it takes to achieve at this kind of solution to the problem?
I know there are states that would support your proposal, but I don’t think any democratic government would.
I agree in principle, johs, but hesitate to label the allies undemocratic, based on their temporary assumption of control with German territories in the wake of World War 2.
Furthermore, it would implicate that the current U.S. foreign policy is counter-democratic, setting up an Iraqi puppet cabinet under its power. I know some would say that is the case, too, but somehow get a feeling you don’t — leading me to conclude that the term democracy very much depends on the political or religious views of the beholder.
Unfortunately, I fail to see any other solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Then again, we could just remain passive while they commit mutual genocide. It somehow doesn’t seem quite as appealing as the alternative, though.
johs, my man! It finally dawned on me who you are. How is everything these days? How are things with everybody, really. Still in touch with some from the old bunch, such as Else, Stein or Terje. How is Kitty, by the way?
No, really, I don’t expect you to reply for all to see. I can be reached at jarle.petterson[at]gmail.com, or better still: Why don’t we just create a LinkedIn alumni (I noticed Marius in there somewhere, at least)? Seems a nice way to catch up with former colleagues.
Good to “see” you at any rate!