tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340768932031052812.post3033316104027772771..comments2023-04-07T21:39:39.581+10:00Comments on Lebanese Chess: Rewriting historyAntounhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01464126577298707310noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340768932031052812.post-32486375462092120102007-08-16T20:39:00.000+10:002007-08-16T20:39:00.000+10:00Hi Paddyshap,I do agree that ridding ignorance on ...Hi Paddyshap,<BR/><BR/>I do agree that ridding ignorance on both sides is essential, but there is a reason why I specifically focused on Israeli ignorance.<BR/><BR/>We have to view this conflict as it really is. It isn't a conflict based on two equal sides. Power has an important role in this conflict. The power is with the Israelis, it's the decision they make which count.<BR/><BR/>Let us also not absolve the events that occurred prior to and including 1948. Palestine was the last colonisation of our era. They invaded with the backing of the Western powers who were in control of the region at the time, and they expelled the natives there. It's probably one of the least inhumane colonisations in comparison to the European colonisation of the Americas and Australia (total extermination of the inhabitants).<BR/><BR/>Nonetheless, the ball started bouncing on one side of the court and really hasn't crossed the centre line. <BR/><BR/>The Palestinians are still weak, still living in refugee camps, still stateless, still oppressed. The Israelis on the other hand have their state, have their institutions, have their peace and most of all their freedom. There is no comparison in situation, the Palestinians are far worse off.<BR/><BR/>The Israelis with their current status as the regional powerhouse - with the enormous cover the Americans provide - can make peace, or sow the seed of future peace by making the right decisions. So far, they have made every wrong turn after the other, from larger errors such as supporting the corrupt Fatah and engaging in war in Lebanon to smaller errors such as depriving their children of learning the truth and emerging more tolerant of the Palestinian people.<BR/><BR/>The Israelis have constantly played the game of blaming the Arabs for the failed peace agreements in order to keep the limelight off. Israel demands all of the Arabs recognise their right to exist, which is what their Western powers endorse. <BR/><BR/>I find this policy completely unjustified. This state, like it or not, barged into a region uninvited, expelled its original inhabitants, and expects everyone in their neighbourhood to be fine with that. As you can see, many aren't happy with this. You're right, however, in stating that Israel is around today and it's a fact that needs to be acknowledged. I would argue most Arabs and even Palestinians have acknowledged its existence, but its right to exist is another matter.<BR/><BR/>Israel needs to accept the right of the Palestinians to exist on their land before they can ask for mercy from their neighbours. When the Israelis begin showing mercy to the Arabs, the Arabs will reciprocate.<BR/><BR/>Peace starts with Israel.Antounhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01464126577298707310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340768932031052812.post-12432543974158371012007-08-16T08:26:00.000+10:002007-08-16T08:26:00.000+10:00It's good to see the Israeli educational establish...It's good to see the Israeli educational establishment employ Pappe's work, along with that of the other New Historians. <BR/><BR/>I would like to add that there is every bit as much ignorance towards Jewish suffering amongst Palestinians as there is vice-versa. If a lasting peace is going to happen, both sides need to recognize the legitimacy of the other. Like Israel or not, there is a strong international argument for their legitimacy.paddyshaphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18119559764699988868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340768932031052812.post-23679187789718312922007-08-11T23:23:00.000+10:002007-08-11T23:23:00.000+10:00I really like your blog, i think you write intelli...I really like your blog, i think you write intelligently and your articles are insightful.<BR/><BR/>SoumiaaSoumiaa Almanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16337701592601386192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5340768932031052812.post-44429186520990508532007-08-11T23:18:00.000+10:002007-08-11T23:18:00.000+10:00I really like your blog, iam so happy that one per...I really like your blog, iam so happy that one person at least in this course cares about what is going on in the middle east. You write intelligently, and i hope you make it in the real world because the Arabs need someone like you.<BR/><BR/>SoumiaaSoumiaa Almanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16337701592601386192noreply@blogger.com