Thanks for the article, it reminds us of previous failed attempts. Sometimes I think that not only are we focusing on the territorial part of the issue, but we are also failing to recognize the differences in mind-set. It is a Western concept (or, you may call is a "First World" concept) to negotiate and compromise. It is a Western concept that land taken in a war could be returned in good faith in exchange for a non-aggression pact. Diplomacy is a Western concept. Non-violence, rational-based philosophical concepts are Western / First World concepts. The Palestinians are "third-world" and the Arab nations surrounding Israel are NOT Western/First World (democratic, capitalist, etc.) These are the players. Now, let's look at the Coaches and Judges - they are all Western / First World. That's why Israel always loses. Perhaps we need throw out the Western-based rule book, learn the rules from our opponent, and fire the Coaches/Judges. -0/6-/2001
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When Israel unilaterally decides what's best for Israel, Israel will discover who its real friends are. If no one stands up, what's new? The Arabs will never be satisfied until they control all of the land of Israel. They have made that abundantly clear over and over again. It is not in Arafat's interest to compromise with Israel. If he does, then he transforms himself into just another petty political leader, whom the world can ignore, and the Palestinian state into just another third world country. As long as there is conflict, he and his "country" get lots of attention, sympathy, and money. When will the gov't of Israel wake up and realize that the only "peace" Israel will ever have will be the "peace" Israel imposes. It doesn't please me to say this, but every other analysis amounts to windmill tilting. Your friend, Mary. - M. W. -0/6-/2001
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I think that the world would rather deal with the Arab nations rather than the State of Israel. The first reason is economic. Israel does not sit on a lake of oil that the west does not want to lose. Secondly, I believe that the west is more politically sympathetic to the regimes in the Arab world. I don't believe that they respect the Israeli government. They may cry false tears of sympathy with one eye, but they are winking at the Arabs with the other. The lack of respect comes from Israel's lack of economic clout. Thirdly, I think that the west has been accostomed to attacking Jews over the last 2000 years. This could be a hard habit to break. We as Jews need to realize one thing. Individuals may rise to our aid from the Gentile world, but governments will do whatever will make easiest their path to power. We eventually will stand by ourselves. But,we will stand when all of the others are gone. -0/6-/2001
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