Conundrum

I admit to frustration watching the events of the middle east unfold. In this particular posting, middle east is in fact that section of the eastern Mediterranean coast comprising Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon.

The current players are the Lebanese government, Israel, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Palestinian government.

What to make of this mess? I've long faulted the lot of them, and conversely long supported the Israeli and Palestinian people's right to have a homeland, to live in peace. I'm an idealist, and an optimist... can see what is possible so very clearly, and it frustrates me to see posturing going on, to see peace talks derailed by the actions of a few, to see new escalation.

What to do? Blow a whistle and tell everyone to chill is a good starting point. Threaten to put 10,000 NATO or UN troops on the borders if all sides don't back off, shuddup, sit down, and start yakking. 

Soldiers are held prisoner... but let's face it... releasing prisoners encourages more such nonsense, and not releasing them just continues the intransigence. The only sensible way is to start chatting, and to not be sidetracked by some suicide bomber. Israel demands something Palestinian leaders cannot give... no suicide bombers. Conversely, Palestinians, at least Hamas, refuse to acknowledge Israel as a legitimate entity.

To make this work, both sides have to acknowledge: the other is not going anywhere. The other has a right to be there, unless you think slaughtering millions is on the agenda. The other has a right to prosperity, to access beyond it's borders (as in international flights, visas, etc to the rest of the world, unhindered.) The other has the right to territory. After all, you can't have a country with no land, unless this is The Simms.

That is a basic starting point. Israel concedes to 1967 borders, excepting Jeruselem. Jeruselem, for the time being, becomes an international protectorate, not governed alone, but rather by a combined Israeli and Palestinian appointment, with impartial foreign appointees added. And they agree not to shut citizens out of their borders. Individuals suspect are reported to their own government.

Freedom of religion would be guaranteed. Respect for ethnicity. Exchange programmes for their children would get underway, allowing them to get to know each other, to develop friendships.

Israel, Lebanon, Palestine to start, form a common economic market. The three pledge to work together for economic development in all three countries. There are water resources to develop. Natural resources. Travel and tourism. This is an area that could be a haven for the frozen folk to the north in winter. 

Yes, my idealism is at work. Look at it this way: you can try these things, or you can say "it is as it is," and watch another generation be condemned to live this sorry life of constant warfare. Or... you can strain your eyes a bit more, and see through the haze.