Olmert: Right Of Return “Out Of The Question”
Despite the desire for peace among most Israelis and Palestinians, their respective leaders continue to have trouble accepting necessary compromise.
This week, the Arab League nations revived the 2002 initiative that would grant acceptance to Israel if it retreats to pre-1967 boundaries, recognizes an independent Palestine, and agrees to the so-called “right of return” for Palestinian refugees and their descendants from the 1948 war.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, however, said that while the proposal has some merit, there can be no room for discussion on the possibility of a right of return. On the other side of the coin, Palestinian leaders seem to view it as vital to the process.
While the displaced Arabs and their progeny long to return to their traditional homeland–now in Israel–Israelis believe that this would undermine the “Jewishness” of their nation. Olmert rejects any responsibility for the refugees, and has said he will not agree to the return of even a single individual.
There is also some question about Jewish willingness to return to the 1967 boundary. Olmert would prefer to keep what has already been settled and exploited in return for chunks of arid and empty land.
While both sides seem to be ready to negotiate, neither wants peace badly enough to give anything up. Palestinian leaders want everything that they see as having been taken from them back, while the Israelis are reluctant to give up anything they view as legitimate spoils of war.
Questions: why do the Palestinians even want to live in Israel? Most of those who were driven out are dead, and their descendants really have no ties there. Why are the Israelis so afraid of returning Palestinians; are they so insular that they believe these people will fundamentally change the State of Israel?
This issue will probably decide the fate of these peace talks. While the Arab nations in general have softened their stance due to their fear over the rising aggression of Iran, the Israeli leadership remains isolated and hard-line. It would behoove both sides to settle the debate now, and normalize relations with one another. With Iran and the US rattling sabers at one another, and with outside terrorists stirring up events, there may not be another, better time.
There are 1 Comments to "Olmert: Right Of Return “Out Of The Question”"
Very informative; especially for me, as I am not a religious scholar. I do, however, recognize that such things have great significance to both Jews and Muslims in the region. The question that must be asked is; is religious or secular dominance worth the continued killing of one another? I would say no, but then again, I am not in the center of the struggle. I simply believe that peace is better than war.
If you have scanned my blog, you will know that I am no fan of Israeli aggression. I am not in favor of US involvement in Iraq, and would not care to see America go to war with Iran. US policy, in my view, is a policy of imperialism at this point, and one I would very much like to see change.
This may very well be the biggest roadblock to Mideast peace agreements, for instability in the region benefits the oil companies. It is important, therefore, that Israel and Palestine take matters into their own hands if they want a lasting peace and compromise. US support seems lukewarm to me at best.
May peace come to the people of the Middle East soon.