Posted by Frederick Jones on Nov 15, 2007 - 01:37 PM
![The Dome of the Rock Mosque in the Al Aqsa Mosque or Temple Mount., Oct. 2, 2007 [AP]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/UNGA/field/2007_1115_jerusalem_bh1_m.jpg)
What tangible results are necessary for the Annapolis Conference to be deemed a success?
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Question of the Week: What Tangible Results Are Necessary for the Annapolis Conference To Be Deemed a Success?
Posted by Frederick Jones on Nov 15, 2007 - 01:37 PM
The United States hosted a conference in Annapolis, Maryland November 27 with the hopes of mapping out the political horizon for the Israeli/Palestinian peace process. The conference also served as a launching point for further negotiations between the parties.
What tangible results are necessary for the Annapolis Conference to be deemed a success?
Posted by Frederick Jones on Nov 15, 2007 - 01:37 PM
What tangible results are necessary for the Annapolis Conference to be deemed a success?
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Angela in U.K. writes:
The Annapolis Conference cannot succeed since its very agenda is contrary to the declared and eternal Covenants of Almighty God.
All who seek to contravene His Word on Israel's right to the Land will ultimately find themselves on a collision course with God Himself.
JOEL 2:1
'Blow ye the trumpet in Zion,
and sound an alarm
in My Holy Mountain:
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble:
for The Day of the Lord cometh - for it is nigh at hand'
Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007
The Annapolis Conference cannot succeed since its very agenda is contrary to the declared and eternal Covenants of Almighty God.
All who seek to contravene His Word on Israel's right to the Land will ultimately find themselves on a collision course with God Himself.
JOEL 2:1
'Blow ye the trumpet in Zion,
and sound an alarm
in My Holy Mountain:
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble:
for The Day of the Lord cometh - for it is nigh at hand'
Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007
Janet in New York writes:
For this meeting to be called successful, agreements must be reached to never, ever return any more land belonging to Israel. This "returning" practice has not resulted in any new, or past peace. Never. It only causes the enemy to have closer target range and more horrid travesties towards many innocent children and adults from both sides.
Why can we not learn from our past mistakes!!!!
Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007
For this meeting to be called successful, agreements must be reached to never, ever return any more land belonging to Israel. This "returning" practice has not resulted in any new, or past peace. Never. It only causes the enemy to have closer target range and more horrid travesties towards many innocent children and adults from both sides.
Why can we not learn from our past mistakes!!!!
Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007
Vincent in Arkansas writes:
Do not divide Jerusalem. Do not give up the West Bank.
Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007
Do not divide Jerusalem. Do not give up the West Bank.
Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007
Delta in U.S. writes:
I feel the conference in Annapolis is merely a public (foreign) relations coup for President Bush and Condi Rice. It gives the Arab nations a chance to "beat up" on Israel politically and in the press. The Prime Minister of Israel releases prisoners, offers to give up land, give up the most valued historical and religious sites, and give up his heritage...despite what the people of Israel want.
Whereas the Palestinian President can only say "we want peace" while he is unable to implement what he says.
The world saw what the Palestinians voted for when they voted in Hamas instead of Fatah in the Gaza Strip. We've seen what they've done with the viable businesses and possibilities in the Gaza Strip - they have all but destroyed much of it. (This was before Israel had to close the checkpoints to ensure the safety of others).
Once more, I ask: what about the largest part of former Palestine giving up land for a Palestinian state? It seems it would be a better deal for all concerned. Why isn't Jordanian King Abdullah offering a piece of it?
Sometimes, in believing in our own idealistic ramblings, human beings aren't very realistic. In other words: pressuring our only consistent ally in the middle east to divide in half is dumb.
Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007
I feel the conference in Annapolis is merely a public (foreign) relations coup for President Bush and Condi Rice. It gives the Arab nations a chance to "beat up" on Israel politically and in the press. The Prime Minister of Israel releases prisoners, offers to give up land, give up the most valued historical and religious sites, and give up his heritage...despite what the people of Israel want.
Whereas the Palestinian President can only say "we want peace" while he is unable to implement what he says.
The world saw what the Palestinians voted for when they voted in Hamas instead of Fatah in the Gaza Strip. We've seen what they've done with the viable businesses and possibilities in the Gaza Strip - they have all but destroyed much of it. (This was before Israel had to close the checkpoints to ensure the safety of others).
Once more, I ask: what about the largest part of former Palestine giving up land for a Palestinian state? It seems it would be a better deal for all concerned. Why isn't Jordanian King Abdullah offering a piece of it?
Sometimes, in believing in our own idealistic ramblings, human beings aren't very realistic. In other words: pressuring our only consistent ally in the middle east to divide in half is dumb.
Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007
Glenn in Oregon writes:
The Palestinian Arabs, as well as many other Islamic and Arab terror groups, need to really want peace. The Palestinian have never ceased their constant daily barrage of shooting Qassam rockets from Gaza into Israel. They've never stopped trying to send genocide bombers into Israel to kill and maim as many innocent civilians as they can. Only Israel's security measures have slowed them down. They cross the borders and kidnap, torture, and kill service men and reporters that tell any truth in their reporting. They shoot to kill Jewish passing motorists that get too close to a Palestinian stronghold (settlement). The Jewish settlements, which are really all of Israel, are not building bombs and scheming to kill Arabs, but are trying to live their lives, educate their children, building libraries and synagogues and truly desiring peace. The Arabs, on the other hand, are trying to finish off what Adolf Hitler started, his Final Solution. The State Department seems to be pandering to the whims of the Saudis and their oil because it is so obvious to anyone that looks at the situation that the Jews desire peace and the Muslims desire all of Israel to be free of Jews.
Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007
The Palestinian Arabs, as well as many other Islamic and Arab terror groups, need to really want peace. The Palestinian have never ceased their constant daily barrage of shooting Qassam rockets from Gaza into Israel. They've never stopped trying to send genocide bombers into Israel to kill and maim as many innocent civilians as they can. Only Israel's security measures have slowed them down. They cross the borders and kidnap, torture, and kill service men and reporters that tell any truth in their reporting. They shoot to kill Jewish passing motorists that get too close to a Palestinian stronghold (settlement). The Jewish settlements, which are really all of Israel, are not building bombs and scheming to kill Arabs, but are trying to live their lives, educate their children, building libraries and synagogues and truly desiring peace. The Arabs, on the other hand, are trying to finish off what Adolf Hitler started, his Final Solution. The State Department seems to be pandering to the whims of the Saudis and their oil because it is so obvious to anyone that looks at the situation that the Jews desire peace and the Muslims desire all of Israel to be free of Jews.
Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007
Pat in U.K. writes:
What would tangibly contribute to success of the Annapolis Conference? For the Western nations with their Judeo Christian heritage to recognize that they have in the past century, and are yet again contemplating at the present time, carving up the one piece of real estate that the God of Israel, no less than ten times in the Bible, specifically terms as "His Land"; and therefore repent and back off from compounding the same terrible mistakes. This might not solve the present so called Middle East crisis which is wrongly laid at Israel’s feet; but it will prevent any more repercussions at the hand of God upon those that do carve up His Land. That would be success. History is replete with example of the fulfillment of the words of Genesis 12:1-3
The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007
What would tangibly contribute to success of the Annapolis Conference? For the Western nations with their Judeo Christian heritage to recognize that they have in the past century, and are yet again contemplating at the present time, carving up the one piece of real estate that the God of Israel, no less than ten times in the Bible, specifically terms as "His Land"; and therefore repent and back off from compounding the same terrible mistakes. This might not solve the present so called Middle East crisis which is wrongly laid at Israel’s feet; but it will prevent any more repercussions at the hand of God upon those that do carve up His Land. That would be success. History is replete with example of the fulfillment of the words of Genesis 12:1-3
The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Posted on Wed Nov 28, 2007
Lynne in Israel writes:
Appeasing the Palestinians is a dangerous, fruitless, and failed policy. Why don't we learn from history?
We tried Oslo. The Palestinians (led by their elected representatives - Arafat and the PLO) failed to live up to their part of the bargain, yet we kept on giving them more. The result was the second Intifada.
We tried unilateral withdrawal from Gaza. Now Sderot is targeted for a daily Kassam barrage that the IDF has much more difficulty combating.
What has appeasing the Palestinians ever yielded other than death and destruction? Why should Annapolis be any different?
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Appeasing the Palestinians is a dangerous, fruitless, and failed policy. Why don't we learn from history?
We tried Oslo. The Palestinians (led by their elected representatives - Arafat and the PLO) failed to live up to their part of the bargain, yet we kept on giving them more. The result was the second Intifada.
We tried unilateral withdrawal from Gaza. Now Sderot is targeted for a daily Kassam barrage that the IDF has much more difficulty combating.
What has appeasing the Palestinians ever yielded other than death and destruction? Why should Annapolis be any different?
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Noah in Delaware writes:
There can be no tangible results because there are no consequences if the Palestinians do not live up to their commitments. What happened when Israel withdrew from Gaza. The Palestinians began shelling Israel and destroyed all the greenhouses. Were those tangible results. The Palestininans in a free election voted for Hamas a terrorist organization. The Palestinians (Abbas) that Israel is negotiating with have no power and have not been elected by the Palestinians. Who does Abbas represent other than perhaps Rice and Bush and Olmert certainly they were not elected by the Palestinians. Of course no one at the State Dept remembers any history. Here is what the illustrious BBC wrote on September 30, 1938: Mr Chamberlain declared the accord with the Germans signaled "peace for our time", after he had read it to a jubilant crowd gathered at Heston airport in west London. Chamberlain went on to say that the agreement is a promise by both Germany and the United Kingdom "never to go to war with one another again." Are these the type of tangible results that the State Dept is expecting. This entire exercise is something out of Alice in Wonderland. Were there tangible results after Oslo or Camp David?
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
There can be no tangible results because there are no consequences if the Palestinians do not live up to their commitments. What happened when Israel withdrew from Gaza. The Palestinians began shelling Israel and destroyed all the greenhouses. Were those tangible results. The Palestininans in a free election voted for Hamas a terrorist organization. The Palestinians (Abbas) that Israel is negotiating with have no power and have not been elected by the Palestinians. Who does Abbas represent other than perhaps Rice and Bush and Olmert certainly they were not elected by the Palestinians. Of course no one at the State Dept remembers any history. Here is what the illustrious BBC wrote on September 30, 1938: Mr Chamberlain declared the accord with the Germans signaled "peace for our time", after he had read it to a jubilant crowd gathered at Heston airport in west London. Chamberlain went on to say that the agreement is a promise by both Germany and the United Kingdom "never to go to war with one another again." Are these the type of tangible results that the State Dept is expecting. This entire exercise is something out of Alice in Wonderland. Were there tangible results after Oslo or Camp David?
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Kathryn in Maryland writes:
Protect Israel's right to exist. Do not divide Jerusalem and recognize it as Israel's capital. Do not negotiate with terrorists.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Protect Israel's right to exist. Do not divide Jerusalem and recognize it as Israel's capital. Do not negotiate with terrorists.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Gary in Virginia writes:
Here's another question: What difference will it make what results from the Annapolis conference when the Palestinian delegation can't speak for the entire Palestinian population, or even for its elected legislature?
The leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniya, was quoted by Al Jazeera's correspondent in Gaza today as saying:
"We are against any attempts for either direct or indirect normalization (with Israel) and are against the presence, for the first time, of an Arab delegation by the side of a Zionist delegation at the Annapolis conference." And, "We will stand firmly in the face of any procedures or policies that aim to get at the will of our people, or factions and their weapons of resistance."
Al Jazeera's correspondant, Jacky Rowland, commented: "People are delivering a very strong 'no' to Annapolis, in Gaza. They say 'no' to recognising the state of Israel, and they say 'no' to any compromise on those key Palestinian rights, like the status of Jerusalem and the right of Palestinian refugees to return."
[http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/05382B6E-8DEB-4B3E-ABF0-38E6B76DA0A3.htm]
Maybe it would be more productive to ask the Arab League to first negotiate peace between the Palestinian factions, and, if that works out, then between the Palestinians and Israel.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Here's another question: What difference will it make what results from the Annapolis conference when the Palestinian delegation can't speak for the entire Palestinian population, or even for its elected legislature?
The leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniya, was quoted by Al Jazeera's correspondent in Gaza today as saying:
"We are against any attempts for either direct or indirect normalization (with Israel) and are against the presence, for the first time, of an Arab delegation by the side of a Zionist delegation at the Annapolis conference." And, "We will stand firmly in the face of any procedures or policies that aim to get at the will of our people, or factions and their weapons of resistance."
Al Jazeera's correspondant, Jacky Rowland, commented: "People are delivering a very strong 'no' to Annapolis, in Gaza. They say 'no' to recognising the state of Israel, and they say 'no' to any compromise on those key Palestinian rights, like the status of Jerusalem and the right of Palestinian refugees to return."
[http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/05382B6E-8DEB-4B3E-ABF0-38E6B76DA0A3.htm]
Maybe it would be more productive to ask the Arab League to first negotiate peace between the Palestinian factions, and, if that works out, then between the Palestinians and Israel.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Bruce in Maryland writes:
The Palestinians are not interested in peace. It’s quite obvious to an open eye that any land that Israel gives back, results in terror from closer areas. Are there a few who do want peace? It could be, but if they open their mouths, they get killed! All their children are taught to kill Israelis from preschool age, so what do we expect?
P.S. Before 1967, there was no such thing as a Palestinian, only Jordanians! Why not ask Jordan to take them back?
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
The Palestinians are not interested in peace. It’s quite obvious to an open eye that any land that Israel gives back, results in terror from closer areas. Are there a few who do want peace? It could be, but if they open their mouths, they get killed! All their children are taught to kill Israelis from preschool age, so what do we expect?
P.S. Before 1967, there was no such thing as a Palestinian, only Jordanians! Why not ask Jordan to take them back?
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Gary in U.K. writes:
Success at Annapolis can only come by all the participants fearing the God of Israel and falling on their faces before Him in repentance. Please, for the sake of America and the nations, turn from this man made attempt at peace to the God of Israel through the Judean prince of peace. (ps 2, isa.9,micah 5 etc.)
Joel 3:1 -- For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and [for] my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord [is] near in the valley of decision.
15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. 16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. 17 So shall ye know that I [am] the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Success at Annapolis can only come by all the participants fearing the God of Israel and falling on their faces before Him in repentance. Please, for the sake of America and the nations, turn from this man made attempt at peace to the God of Israel through the Judean prince of peace. (ps 2, isa.9,micah 5 etc.)
Joel 3:1 -- For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and [for] my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord [is] near in the valley of decision.
15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. 16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. 17 So shall ye know that I [am] the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Dave in U.K. writes:
Arab side to: honor past agreements; renounce violence and all activity in furtherance of it; accept Israel as a Jewish state in perpetuity; agree that "right of return" be confined to Gaza and West Bank.
Israeli side to: build no new settlements on West Bank; agree to withdraw forces and checkpoints once it has been demonstrated for a substantial period that violence has ceased; accept establishment of a Palestinian state at that time.
Ultimate aim: sensible land swaps to incorporate major settlements into Israel while conceding equivalent land to Palestinian state; Israeli withdrawal from Golan and Shebah Farms; Jewish inhabitants of remote settlements to be allowed to reside there under Palestinian sovereignty if they so wish but with dual citizenship; compensation for Arab refugees and Jewish refugees from Arab lands pari passu to be undertaken by Israel, world Jewry, the Ummah, the international community.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Arab side to: honor past agreements; renounce violence and all activity in furtherance of it; accept Israel as a Jewish state in perpetuity; agree that "right of return" be confined to Gaza and West Bank.
Israeli side to: build no new settlements on West Bank; agree to withdraw forces and checkpoints once it has been demonstrated for a substantial period that violence has ceased; accept establishment of a Palestinian state at that time.
Ultimate aim: sensible land swaps to incorporate major settlements into Israel while conceding equivalent land to Palestinian state; Israeli withdrawal from Golan and Shebah Farms; Jewish inhabitants of remote settlements to be allowed to reside there under Palestinian sovereignty if they so wish but with dual citizenship; compensation for Arab refugees and Jewish refugees from Arab lands pari passu to be undertaken by Israel, world Jewry, the Ummah, the international community.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Judith in Israel writes:
Since the Arabs have never yet (in over 100 years, since before the founding of the State of Israel) kept a promise to the Jews/Israelis (see, for example, Nashashibi, in Jerusalem in Mandatory times, not to mention Arafat just a few years ago)there is no reason to believe that Annapolis will be any better.
So, I would say that if promises are made, they will be kept only by Israel. A successful meeting will mean an outcome of no promises at all.
A very unhappy situation, I'm afraid.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Since the Arabs have never yet (in over 100 years, since before the founding of the State of Israel) kept a promise to the Jews/Israelis (see, for example, Nashashibi, in Jerusalem in Mandatory times, not to mention Arafat just a few years ago)there is no reason to believe that Annapolis will be any better.
So, I would say that if promises are made, they will be kept only by Israel. A successful meeting will mean an outcome of no promises at all.
A very unhappy situation, I'm afraid.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
David in U.K. writes:
I am praying that the nations of the world will realize that the tiny state of Israel must continue to fight for its survival in the midst of 20+ Arab States committed to its destruction. I am also praying that no more land will be sacrificed to empty promises of peace, which only result in more aggressive acts against the only Jewish state in the world.
Shalom!
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
I am praying that the nations of the world will realize that the tiny state of Israel must continue to fight for its survival in the midst of 20+ Arab States committed to its destruction. I am also praying that no more land will be sacrificed to empty promises of peace, which only result in more aggressive acts against the only Jewish state in the world.
Shalom!
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Jack in Jerusalem writes:
At minimum, the Arab states and the Palestinian Authority have to recognize Israel as the state of the Jewish people and they must have the strength and the will to say it publicly, in Arabic, over their own media to their own people. Then it will become a border dispute. Now, it is an existential conflict which can only end in a war of total destruction. Border disputes are negotiable and they are manageable. Existential conflicts are not.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
At minimum, the Arab states and the Palestinian Authority have to recognize Israel as the state of the Jewish people and they must have the strength and the will to say it publicly, in Arabic, over their own media to their own people. Then it will become a border dispute. Now, it is an existential conflict which can only end in a war of total destruction. Border disputes are negotiable and they are manageable. Existential conflicts are not.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Nochum in Jerusalem writes:
The only way to get peace in the Middle East is if the Hamas leaders announce in Arabic so even the Arabs can understand that Israel has the right to exist. Anything less is giving up Jewish lives in order to encourage Arabs to continue terrorist attacks.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
The only way to get peace in the Middle East is if the Hamas leaders announce in Arabic so even the Arabs can understand that Israel has the right to exist. Anything less is giving up Jewish lives in order to encourage Arabs to continue terrorist attacks.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Sue in Israel writes:
In order for the Annapolis Conference to be deemed a success, the Arabs must commit to peace - in Arabic, to their own people, and not just for foreign consumption. When and if they recognize Israel, de jure and not just de facto, and recognize Israel as a Jewish State, then peace will have a change to start.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
In order for the Annapolis Conference to be deemed a success, the Arabs must commit to peace - in Arabic, to their own people, and not just for foreign consumption. When and if they recognize Israel, de jure and not just de facto, and recognize Israel as a Jewish State, then peace will have a change to start.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Evelyn in Malta writes:
I believe in the whole word of God and it clearly defines the boundaries of the land that belongs to the Jews! There are enough neighboring Arab countries that can take in the Palestinians without cutting into the land that belongs to the Jews! When Gaza was turned over to the Palestinians all they have used it for was to launch kassam missiles into Sderot and there are rockets shot from there on a daily basis. Those who curse Israel will be cursed and those that bless Israel will be blessed according to the Word of God. Increase Israel's boundaries, not decrease it!!! Condoleezza Rice just wants to make a legacy for herself and isn't interested in true peace in the middle east!!!!!!
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
I believe in the whole word of God and it clearly defines the boundaries of the land that belongs to the Jews! There are enough neighboring Arab countries that can take in the Palestinians without cutting into the land that belongs to the Jews! When Gaza was turned over to the Palestinians all they have used it for was to launch kassam missiles into Sderot and there are rockets shot from there on a daily basis. Those who curse Israel will be cursed and those that bless Israel will be blessed according to the Word of God. Increase Israel's boundaries, not decrease it!!! Condoleezza Rice just wants to make a legacy for herself and isn't interested in true peace in the middle east!!!!!!
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
Lynn in New Jersey writes:
If the Arab countries could recognize Israel's right to exist and recognize Israel as a Jewish State that would be progress.
If the Arab countries could commit to an end to terrorism against Israel that would be progress.
If the Arab country's could free Gilad Shlit , Ohad and Eldad, 3 Israeli's taken captive that would be progress. Maybe someone can explain to me how Israel could free over 400 Arab prisoners before the Annapolis conference as a sign that they are serious about negotiating, and yet no one requires the Arab country's to free a mere 3 Israeli's.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
If the Arab countries could recognize Israel's right to exist and recognize Israel as a Jewish State that would be progress.
If the Arab countries could commit to an end to terrorism against Israel that would be progress.
If the Arab country's could free Gilad Shlit , Ohad and Eldad, 3 Israeli's taken captive that would be progress. Maybe someone can explain to me how Israel could free over 400 Arab prisoners before the Annapolis conference as a sign that they are serious about negotiating, and yet no one requires the Arab country's to free a mere 3 Israeli's.
Posted on Tue Nov 27, 2007
George in Pennsylvania writes:
Peace is worthless if it is not a mutually agreeable, mutually constructive arrangement.
The Arab world has already demonstrated what it wants. They want Israel, the most productive and liberal democratic nation in the Middle East, whittled down and down, until there is nothing left. Gaza, the West Bank, and half of Jerusalem are just the beginning.
Look at those greenhouses Bill Gates helped pay for. They are now a symbol of everything the Palestinians as a nation are. Obviously, there are individuals out there who prove the exception -- it's important to understand this even as it feels like such a tedious qualifier; I hope people would take this as a given, but some people like to look for bigots under the wrong bed.
But yet we continue to play into the charades of people who don't want to do any 'meaningless theatrical stunts' like shake hands with a Jew.
If we continue to insist on compromising with them, there will eventually be nothing left.
I leave it to the scholars to decide whether a Middle East without Israel would be more like
a) A wonderful idyllic place with the world's lowest crime rates and no terrorists to speak of
or
b) Another part of the world that already is a largely Islamic region without Israel, namely Southeast Asia. You think the things happening in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India have anything to do with Jews?
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Peace is worthless if it is not a mutually agreeable, mutually constructive arrangement.
The Arab world has already demonstrated what it wants. They want Israel, the most productive and liberal democratic nation in the Middle East, whittled down and down, until there is nothing left. Gaza, the West Bank, and half of Jerusalem are just the beginning.
Look at those greenhouses Bill Gates helped pay for. They are now a symbol of everything the Palestinians as a nation are. Obviously, there are individuals out there who prove the exception -- it's important to understand this even as it feels like such a tedious qualifier; I hope people would take this as a given, but some people like to look for bigots under the wrong bed.
But yet we continue to play into the charades of people who don't want to do any 'meaningless theatrical stunts' like shake hands with a Jew.
If we continue to insist on compromising with them, there will eventually be nothing left.
I leave it to the scholars to decide whether a Middle East without Israel would be more like
a) A wonderful idyllic place with the world's lowest crime rates and no terrorists to speak of
or
b) Another part of the world that already is a largely Islamic region without Israel, namely Southeast Asia. You think the things happening in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India have anything to do with Jews?
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Donald in Maryland writes:
Arabs agree that Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people, that Palestinian refugees have no right of return to the Jewish homeland, and that all terror, incitement, hatred and bigotry towards Jews and Israel will cease. Arab countries including the Palestinian Authority will declare a permanent end of conflict. Arab promises are fulfilled for a period of five years, with all terrorism stopped and terrorists jailed for long prison terms. In that 5 year span Palestinians who live in Arab countries for more than 5 years are given citizenship in the Arab country. Then we could call the conference a success.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Arabs agree that Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people, that Palestinian refugees have no right of return to the Jewish homeland, and that all terror, incitement, hatred and bigotry towards Jews and Israel will cease. Arab countries including the Palestinian Authority will declare a permanent end of conflict. Arab promises are fulfilled for a period of five years, with all terrorism stopped and terrorists jailed for long prison terms. In that 5 year span Palestinians who live in Arab countries for more than 5 years are given citizenship in the Arab country. Then we could call the conference a success.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Nathan in Canada writes:
Before any peace conference takes place, the Arabs and the Palestinians should have shown a record of compliance of recent and long-standing commitments undertaken by them over the last twenty or so years.
Since their record is a sorry one, and since repeated efforts by Israel to ingratiate herself to the Arabs by releasing terrorist prisoners, exercising incredible restraint in the face of extreme provocation, retreating from Lebanon and Gaza were met by more unreasonable demands and continued violence, and since the gathering at Annapolis is just a repeat gang-up by numerous Arab delegates (who appear merely to be doing a favor to the President) and have not yet reached a point of accepting Israel as a legitimate member state in the region, why is Israel there, and why does the United States insist on this friend's humiliation?
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Before any peace conference takes place, the Arabs and the Palestinians should have shown a record of compliance of recent and long-standing commitments undertaken by them over the last twenty or so years.
Since their record is a sorry one, and since repeated efforts by Israel to ingratiate herself to the Arabs by releasing terrorist prisoners, exercising incredible restraint in the face of extreme provocation, retreating from Lebanon and Gaza were met by more unreasonable demands and continued violence, and since the gathering at Annapolis is just a repeat gang-up by numerous Arab delegates (who appear merely to be doing a favor to the President) and have not yet reached a point of accepting Israel as a legitimate member state in the region, why is Israel there, and why does the United States insist on this friend's humiliation?
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Jeff in Israel writes:
Tangible result to be deemed a success? They all have a good American diner, retire have a good night’s sleep pose in different combinations for the Photo Ops tomorrow , have a good American lunch, more photo ops, cocktails and little pigs in a blanket for the Arabs and Muslims, Bush's farewell speech thanking them all for coming to dinner and brunch, more photo ops and interviews. Shopping and dropping a zillion dollars in American stores and then flying home.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Tangible result to be deemed a success? They all have a good American diner, retire have a good night’s sleep pose in different combinations for the Photo Ops tomorrow , have a good American lunch, more photo ops, cocktails and little pigs in a blanket for the Arabs and Muslims, Bush's farewell speech thanking them all for coming to dinner and brunch, more photo ops and interviews. Shopping and dropping a zillion dollars in American stores and then flying home.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Arthur in Florida writes:
Things do to before forcing Israel to give up land:
1. Secure the border
2. English only.
3. Bring the troops home.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Things do to before forcing Israel to give up land:
1. Secure the border
2. English only.
3. Bring the troops home.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Yonaton in Florida writes:
I just finished reading what Debbie Schlussle has written, here...
http://www.debbieschlussel.com/archives/2007/11/the_peace_partn.html
...about our "peace partner," and anger isn't strong enough to express my sentiments. All that comes to mind for me to say is, "What the #&!! is BUSH thinking??!!!" Those *&$#'ed people are cold blooded murderers, and the last thing they (or we) need is for them to have "self-determination." It's already gone way too far.
There is a G-d, and there is accountability.
http://arniegotfryd.com/content/view/257/100/
I just hope America wakes up before it is too late, if it isn't already.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
I just finished reading what Debbie Schlussle has written, here...
http://www.debbieschlussel.com/archives/2007/11/the_peace_partn.html
...about our "peace partner," and anger isn't strong enough to express my sentiments. All that comes to mind for me to say is, "What the #&!! is BUSH thinking??!!!" Those *&$#'ed people are cold blooded murderers, and the last thing they (or we) need is for them to have "self-determination." It's already gone way too far.
There is a G-d, and there is accountability.
http://arniegotfryd.com/content/view/257/100/
I just hope America wakes up before it is too late, if it isn't already.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Ben in U.K. writes:
For those who do not understand Arabic and do not know the Quran should be made aware that any and all agreements made between Muslims and unbelievers are considered null & void and are only a means to deceive and lull the unbelievers into thinking the Muslims are sincere.
This is called Taqiyah/ Islamic subterfuge.
If you do not believe what i am saying, all you need to do is to go to Google and type Taqiyah in and find all the answers with all the references.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
For those who do not understand Arabic and do not know the Quran should be made aware that any and all agreements made between Muslims and unbelievers are considered null & void and are only a means to deceive and lull the unbelievers into thinking the Muslims are sincere.
This is called Taqiyah/ Islamic subterfuge.
If you do not believe what i am saying, all you need to do is to go to Google and type Taqiyah in and find all the answers with all the references.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Patrick in Nevada writes:
I really cannot see a tangible outcome from this conference. Not to sound like a doomsayer, but the Israeli's and Palestinians have deeply entrenched belief systems, that have divided them not only from a Ideological perspective, but geographically as well. Attempts by the United States and it's allies to orchestrate a peace process, has only failed in the end. I think the key to peace in that region, is to have both Israeli and Palestinian people's perform tasks together in both communities to achieve a common goal, i.e. building the infrastructure of the communities, educating the youth of both Israeli's and Palestinians in the same classrooms. I think that this segregation will continue to keep these neighbors as strangers, with little understanding of the other. That's what keeps progress from happening.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
I really cannot see a tangible outcome from this conference. Not to sound like a doomsayer, but the Israeli's and Palestinians have deeply entrenched belief systems, that have divided them not only from a Ideological perspective, but geographically as well. Attempts by the United States and it's allies to orchestrate a peace process, has only failed in the end. I think the key to peace in that region, is to have both Israeli and Palestinian people's perform tasks together in both communities to achieve a common goal, i.e. building the infrastructure of the communities, educating the youth of both Israeli's and Palestinians in the same classrooms. I think that this segregation will continue to keep these neighbors as strangers, with little understanding of the other. That's what keeps progress from happening.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Rona in U.K. writes:
Tangible results from the Annapolis must include guaranteeing a safe, peaceful and secure future for Israel. Otherwise the conference will be a total disaster, not a success, and will lead to war, not peace.
If Israel is weakened and forced to make disproportionate concessions, this would be a blunder on the scale of the misguided Appeasement policy of the 1930s.
The Palestinians and surrounding Arab countries (to say nothing of Iran) continue their daily incitement of hatred against Israel and Jews. They openly declare the ultimate goal is the destruction of Israel. They often mock concessions as signs of weakness.
If, after the Annapolis conference, the Arab world perceives Israel as more vulnerable, surrounding countries may well be encouraged to try (yet again) to push the Jews into the sea.
Annapolis will be a success only if the Arab world can be convinced that Israel is here to stay, and has the same rights as any other nation. Then all the peoples of the area, including the Palestinians, can benefit from peace and get on with their lives.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Tangible results from the Annapolis must include guaranteeing a safe, peaceful and secure future for Israel. Otherwise the conference will be a total disaster, not a success, and will lead to war, not peace.
If Israel is weakened and forced to make disproportionate concessions, this would be a blunder on the scale of the misguided Appeasement policy of the 1930s.
The Palestinians and surrounding Arab countries (to say nothing of Iran) continue their daily incitement of hatred against Israel and Jews. They openly declare the ultimate goal is the destruction of Israel. They often mock concessions as signs of weakness.
If, after the Annapolis conference, the Arab world perceives Israel as more vulnerable, surrounding countries may well be encouraged to try (yet again) to push the Jews into the sea.
Annapolis will be a success only if the Arab world can be convinced that Israel is here to stay, and has the same rights as any other nation. Then all the peoples of the area, including the Palestinians, can benefit from peace and get on with their lives.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Mary in California writes:
To be such a dismal failure that when presidential contenders list departments that they want to wipe out and start over, that they would include the state department on that list. That would be nice and long over due.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
To be such a dismal failure that when presidential contenders list departments that they want to wipe out and start over, that they would include the state department on that list. That would be nice and long over due.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Eileen writes:
Really, is this a trick question? Who in their right mind would even attempt to negotiate with people who do not even have the courtesy to accept a handshake? Shame on Mr. Bush and a greater shame on the coward Olmert.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Really, is this a trick question? Who in their right mind would even attempt to negotiate with people who do not even have the courtesy to accept a handshake? Shame on Mr. Bush and a greater shame on the coward Olmert.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Yonaton in Florida writes:
Why doesn’t Mr. Bush know this?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cd5aA_kIDzY
Just what are our leaders thinking?
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Why doesn’t Mr. Bush know this?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=cd5aA_kIDzY
Just what are our leaders thinking?
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Peter in U.K. writes:
That Abbas clearly in English and in Arabic renounces terrorism against Israel on the part of the Palestinian people and the same message is verifiably delivered locally to Palestinian media and in schools instead of the current diet of hate and goes on to accept and recognize Israel as the Jewish State in both languages. Of course, I realize there is zero chance that this will happen, which is why Annapolis is doomed right from the start as a failure as all it will do is encourage further terrorism -the more prisoners that Israel releases the more Palestinians realize there is no penalty for terrorism, only rewards in terms of EU and U.S. aid!
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
That Abbas clearly in English and in Arabic renounces terrorism against Israel on the part of the Palestinian people and the same message is verifiably delivered locally to Palestinian media and in schools instead of the current diet of hate and goes on to accept and recognize Israel as the Jewish State in both languages. Of course, I realize there is zero chance that this will happen, which is why Annapolis is doomed right from the start as a failure as all it will do is encourage further terrorism -the more prisoners that Israel releases the more Palestinians realize there is no penalty for terrorism, only rewards in terms of EU and U.S. aid!
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Earl in California writes:
The Annapolis Conference will be a success if the U.S.:
1. Finally realizes that Israel is incontestably in the right and agrees unreservedly to support it fully. This means: no return to the pre-June 1967 armistice lines (erroneously referred to as "borders"), no "return" of the Golan Heights to Syria, no "return" of the "occupied territories" to "Palestine", no "return" of Arab "refugees" to Israel, no compensation paid to such "refugees", and no division of Jerusalem. Jerusalem must remain the united capital of Israel and under its exclusive control (this includes the Temple Mount from which the Muslim Waqf must be expelled).
2. Finally realizes that all of the Arab countries are anti-Semitic, racist, genocidal terrorist-enabling regimes, stops supporting them, and actively works to fight against them. This includes Saudi Arabia in particular, which is the source of most of the Islamic terrorism that is plaguing the world today. The US should do everything it can to see that the present Saudi regime is overthrown.
3. Cuts off the $2 billion a year it gives Egypt unless they implement all of their obligations under the Camp David agreements.
4. Cuts off diplomatic and economic relations with all regimes that do not recognize the existence of Israel as a Jewish state.
5. Engineers the overthrow of the Syrian regime.
6. Gives Israel full support (diplomatic, military and economic) to completely destroy the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza and Judea/Samaria (the "West Bank"), including the complete extirpation of Hamas, Fatah, the PA, and all other terrorist groups, up to and including a re-occupation of these areas if militarily necessary.
7. Gives Israel full support (diplomatic, military and economic) to destroy Hizballah in Lebanon.
8. Immediately fires Condoleezza Rice and replaces her with John Bolton, giving him free reign and full authority to clean out the Augean Stables, otherwise known as the State Department, in any way he sees fit. All State Department officials, past and present, who are agents of Arab regimes should be put on trial for treason.
9. Promptly moves the US embassy to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel.
10. Gives Israel full support in its efforts to extract just compensation from all of the Arab countries from which the Jews were expelled post-1948. There were roughly about 1 million such refugees, who were robbed of everything they owned. The Arab states owe them billions upon billions of dollars.
11. Assists Israel in the destruction of Iran's nuclear program.
12. Bulldozes the UN building into the East River.
This should do for starters. I will contact you again when I think of more ideas. But for the Annapolis conference to be considered a success, the above mentioned 12 points are the minimum requirement.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
The Annapolis Conference will be a success if the U.S.:
1. Finally realizes that Israel is incontestably in the right and agrees unreservedly to support it fully. This means: no return to the pre-June 1967 armistice lines (erroneously referred to as "borders"), no "return" of the Golan Heights to Syria, no "return" of the "occupied territories" to "Palestine", no "return" of Arab "refugees" to Israel, no compensation paid to such "refugees", and no division of Jerusalem. Jerusalem must remain the united capital of Israel and under its exclusive control (this includes the Temple Mount from which the Muslim Waqf must be expelled).
2. Finally realizes that all of the Arab countries are anti-Semitic, racist, genocidal terrorist-enabling regimes, stops supporting them, and actively works to fight against them. This includes Saudi Arabia in particular, which is the source of most of the Islamic terrorism that is plaguing the world today. The US should do everything it can to see that the present Saudi regime is overthrown.
3. Cuts off the $2 billion a year it gives Egypt unless they implement all of their obligations under the Camp David agreements.
4. Cuts off diplomatic and economic relations with all regimes that do not recognize the existence of Israel as a Jewish state.
5. Engineers the overthrow of the Syrian regime.
6. Gives Israel full support (diplomatic, military and economic) to completely destroy the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza and Judea/Samaria (the "West Bank"), including the complete extirpation of Hamas, Fatah, the PA, and all other terrorist groups, up to and including a re-occupation of these areas if militarily necessary.
7. Gives Israel full support (diplomatic, military and economic) to destroy Hizballah in Lebanon.
8. Immediately fires Condoleezza Rice and replaces her with John Bolton, giving him free reign and full authority to clean out the Augean Stables, otherwise known as the State Department, in any way he sees fit. All State Department officials, past and present, who are agents of Arab regimes should be put on trial for treason.
9. Promptly moves the US embassy to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel.
10. Gives Israel full support in its efforts to extract just compensation from all of the Arab countries from which the Jews were expelled post-1948. There were roughly about 1 million such refugees, who were robbed of everything they owned. The Arab states owe them billions upon billions of dollars.
11. Assists Israel in the destruction of Iran's nuclear program.
12. Bulldozes the UN building into the East River.
This should do for starters. I will contact you again when I think of more ideas. But for the Annapolis conference to be considered a success, the above mentioned 12 points are the minimum requirement.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Merill in Illinois writes:
President Bush has to announce that he has tried, but after all it is not possible to carve another arab country out of Judea and Samaria. He should announce that the idea of Israeli concessions had the full support of Ehud Olmert and Tzippi Livni, thereby discrediting their continued viability with the Israeli electorate.
He should call for adoption of the Elon plan, with annexation by Israel of Judea, Samaria and Gaza; liberation of Arabs from the so-called "refugee camps" (and abolition of UNRWA); Jordanian citizenship for the Arabs of Judea and Samaria; and Egyptian citizenship for the Arabs of Gaza.
President Bush should state that never again will Israel be forced to free terrorists from its jails or uproot Jewish communities.
Finally, President Bush should state that he has requested that Israel rename itself as "The Jewish State of Israel", with full rights for all of its citizens.
Oh, and President Bush should call for formation of a coalition to eliminate Iran's efforts at creating nuclear weapons by military force.
This would make the Annapolis conference a success.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
President Bush has to announce that he has tried, but after all it is not possible to carve another arab country out of Judea and Samaria. He should announce that the idea of Israeli concessions had the full support of Ehud Olmert and Tzippi Livni, thereby discrediting their continued viability with the Israeli electorate.
He should call for adoption of the Elon plan, with annexation by Israel of Judea, Samaria and Gaza; liberation of Arabs from the so-called "refugee camps" (and abolition of UNRWA); Jordanian citizenship for the Arabs of Judea and Samaria; and Egyptian citizenship for the Arabs of Gaza.
President Bush should state that never again will Israel be forced to free terrorists from its jails or uproot Jewish communities.
Finally, President Bush should state that he has requested that Israel rename itself as "The Jewish State of Israel", with full rights for all of its citizens.
Oh, and President Bush should call for formation of a coalition to eliminate Iran's efforts at creating nuclear weapons by military force.
This would make the Annapolis conference a success.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Rufus in U.K. writes:
Palestinians need to end their incitement to violence and martyrdom in their press and media.
At the moment there is not even a 1% chance of agreement, because Abbas has not prepared the Palestinian street to accept any recognition of Israel.
Muslims need to accept Jews and Christians as equal human beings, not "dhimmi."
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Palestinians need to end their incitement to violence and martyrdom in their press and media.
At the moment there is not even a 1% chance of agreement, because Abbas has not prepared the Palestinian street to accept any recognition of Israel.
Muslims need to accept Jews and Christians as equal human beings, not "dhimmi."
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Israel in New York writes:
You know, the President has been really good with national security of the United States of America. I would like to see him extend the same concern to our allied countries. The Arabs have attacked the Jewish people in Israel long before the founding of the State of Israel. In 1929, Arabs rioted and murdered 67 Jews in just one day in Hebron. Between the years of 1936 and 1938, 510 Jewish men, women, and children were slaughtered by Arabs. Today the Arabs claim their “jihad” is to get the lands that Israel liberated is 1967. But how did Israel get that land? Because the Arabs started a war with Israel, Israel reacted to defend themselves. When you attack a country and you lose, you lose. There is no going back. Next time do not start a war.
When Mexico attacked the U.S.A. over Texas, and the U.S. won, Texas remains ours. The Mexicans have no claim to the land. They attacked us, we won, now it’s ours. That is how life works.
It is disgraceful that a President so concerned with national security, a President who truly understands what is needed to secure our country, a president that understand negotiating with terrorists only makes them stronger proposes that an ally take action that will hurt national security of the State of Israel.
Israel gave away land in 2005 at the encouragement of the President. The land that Israel gave to the Arabs is being used to launch rockets into Israel EVERY SINGLE DAY. Peace was promised, but was not fulfilled.
It is time that the President and this great country support Israel and encourage Israel to take action to make it stronger. Let the President focus on continuing to bring peace and democracy to Afghanistan and Iraq, countries which we rightfully invaded, yet owe to them our utmost commitment in assisting them to rebuild our countries.
I pray that the USA remain a strong and secure country and that the USA and President wish the same of Israel and won’t encourage any action which may deteriorate any securities of the State of Israel.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
You know, the President has been really good with national security of the United States of America. I would like to see him extend the same concern to our allied countries. The Arabs have attacked the Jewish people in Israel long before the founding of the State of Israel. In 1929, Arabs rioted and murdered 67 Jews in just one day in Hebron. Between the years of 1936 and 1938, 510 Jewish men, women, and children were slaughtered by Arabs. Today the Arabs claim their “jihad” is to get the lands that Israel liberated is 1967. But how did Israel get that land? Because the Arabs started a war with Israel, Israel reacted to defend themselves. When you attack a country and you lose, you lose. There is no going back. Next time do not start a war.
When Mexico attacked the U.S.A. over Texas, and the U.S. won, Texas remains ours. The Mexicans have no claim to the land. They attacked us, we won, now it’s ours. That is how life works.
It is disgraceful that a President so concerned with national security, a President who truly understands what is needed to secure our country, a president that understand negotiating with terrorists only makes them stronger proposes that an ally take action that will hurt national security of the State of Israel.
Israel gave away land in 2005 at the encouragement of the President. The land that Israel gave to the Arabs is being used to launch rockets into Israel EVERY SINGLE DAY. Peace was promised, but was not fulfilled.
It is time that the President and this great country support Israel and encourage Israel to take action to make it stronger. Let the President focus on continuing to bring peace and democracy to Afghanistan and Iraq, countries which we rightfully invaded, yet owe to them our utmost commitment in assisting them to rebuild our countries.
I pray that the USA remain a strong and secure country and that the USA and President wish the same of Israel and won’t encourage any action which may deteriorate any securities of the State of Israel.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Yonaton in Florida writes:
@ SNP in Syria -- ...proves that there are sane and honest people in the Muslim world. My guess, or at least hope, is that they are probably in the majority.
The hidden evil of a conference like this is that it empowers the tyrants and is an abandonment of the very people our leaders pretend to be concerned with.
Thanks, SNP, for demonstrating, probably better than anyone outside that region, what a demented fantasy this conference is, and all similar have been.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
@ SNP in Syria -- ...proves that there are sane and honest people in the Muslim world. My guess, or at least hope, is that they are probably in the majority.
The hidden evil of a conference like this is that it empowers the tyrants and is an abandonment of the very people our leaders pretend to be concerned with.
Thanks, SNP, for demonstrating, probably better than anyone outside that region, what a demented fantasy this conference is, and all similar have been.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Bill in Canada writes:
Peace discussions between Palestinians and Israel within the context of the land for peace and two state solution paradigm have failed in large part because they have been grounded on notions of peace through the weakness of appeasement rather then peace through strength and on willful blindness, delusions and illusions that have been have all been geared to advancing Western and American interests far more then they have been devised to advance Israeli interests.
If the Bush administration looks behind the Palestinians' and Arabs' English words for the West and instead to what their leaders, pundits, and imams are really saying and writing about in Arabic in the Fatah founding charter which is essentially the same as the Hamas charter, their media, their educational programs and their mosques and further stops being willfully blind to the fact that the Palestinians have not kept their word on any promise to or agreement with Israel, then Bush administration, if it has any shred of honesty, decency and courage left, might finally forthrightly admit that the issue for the Arabs and the Palestinians is not and has never been about the size of Israel, but rather it has always and only been about Israel's very existence.
Such admission on the part of the Bush administration would be a very good beginning for peace discussions to go forward that really do have a chance of success because those discussions would proceed hereafter within the context of a new peace paradigm that recognizes these hard and difficult realities for what they are.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Peace discussions between Palestinians and Israel within the context of the land for peace and two state solution paradigm have failed in large part because they have been grounded on notions of peace through the weakness of appeasement rather then peace through strength and on willful blindness, delusions and illusions that have been have all been geared to advancing Western and American interests far more then they have been devised to advance Israeli interests.
If the Bush administration looks behind the Palestinians' and Arabs' English words for the West and instead to what their leaders, pundits, and imams are really saying and writing about in Arabic in the Fatah founding charter which is essentially the same as the Hamas charter, their media, their educational programs and their mosques and further stops being willfully blind to the fact that the Palestinians have not kept their word on any promise to or agreement with Israel, then Bush administration, if it has any shred of honesty, decency and courage left, might finally forthrightly admit that the issue for the Arabs and the Palestinians is not and has never been about the size of Israel, but rather it has always and only been about Israel's very existence.
Such admission on the part of the Bush administration would be a very good beginning for peace discussions to go forward that really do have a chance of success because those discussions would proceed hereafter within the context of a new peace paradigm that recognizes these hard and difficult realities for what they are.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Bob in Indiana writes:
It would be refreshing if someone publically spoke the truth about Abbas, the Palestinians, and terrorism. The invitees are very unlikely to rise to this level, so, for them and us, it's best that nothing happen at all.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
It would be refreshing if someone publically spoke the truth about Abbas, the Palestinians, and terrorism. The invitees are very unlikely to rise to this level, so, for them and us, it's best that nothing happen at all.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Yonaton in Florida writes:
Nothing good will come of this; not for the "Palestinian" Arabs, not for America, and certainly not for Israel.
I don't know what madness is possessing our leaders.
How can they not see that taking Israel's land and giving it to our mutual enemy to form a terror super-state is not only one of the most morally reprehensible acts of all time, but will dramatically undermine America's security in the bargain?
What they want to take, they call the "West Bank." But, in reality it is Judaea and Samaria, the heart of the heart of Biblical and Modern Israel. Why does America want to rip out Israel's heart just to appease the pioneers of airline hijacking and suicide bombing without whom 9/11 (which they celebrated) would not have been possible?
Israel has foolishly bent over backward to appease those savage monsters. And the Arabs haven't kept a single detail of even one of the myriad agreements they have signed. Yet Israel is punished, and terrorists are rewarded. For what?!
G-d help us that they abandon the folly, because if they don't, He certainly won't.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Nothing good will come of this; not for the "Palestinian" Arabs, not for America, and certainly not for Israel.
I don't know what madness is possessing our leaders.
How can they not see that taking Israel's land and giving it to our mutual enemy to form a terror super-state is not only one of the most morally reprehensible acts of all time, but will dramatically undermine America's security in the bargain?
What they want to take, they call the "West Bank." But, in reality it is Judaea and Samaria, the heart of the heart of Biblical and Modern Israel. Why does America want to rip out Israel's heart just to appease the pioneers of airline hijacking and suicide bombing without whom 9/11 (which they celebrated) would not have been possible?
Israel has foolishly bent over backward to appease those savage monsters. And the Arabs haven't kept a single detail of even one of the myriad agreements they have signed. Yet Israel is punished, and terrorists are rewarded. For what?!
G-d help us that they abandon the folly, because if they don't, He certainly won't.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Joe in Tennessee writes:
What tangible results are necessary for the Annapolis Conference to be deemed a success?
I would like to say: Any talk is better than none.
I’m afraid Cheney’s ex-advisor, David Wurmser, is right: It’s rigged for Iran to win, on top of which any failure on the part of the Bush administration will be used as a political hammer in the elections 14 months from now. I would opt to have ex President Clinton there for political purposes as well as “total” representation. It would also “level” their playing field. It is meaningless without a two party representation of the U.S. government with the elections coming up. Don't let it be hindsight.
Our President has done more to offer the olive branch with dignity than any other in quite a while, barring “blackmail” payments of past administrations.
I would keep in mind an old Arabic saying: “We will let them set the table, but we will serve the meal.”
Tell John, I’m back and I’m in if he wants me. I was framed well...he should know it, look at who was involved.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
What tangible results are necessary for the Annapolis Conference to be deemed a success?
I would like to say: Any talk is better than none.
I’m afraid Cheney’s ex-advisor, David Wurmser, is right: It’s rigged for Iran to win, on top of which any failure on the part of the Bush administration will be used as a political hammer in the elections 14 months from now. I would opt to have ex President Clinton there for political purposes as well as “total” representation. It would also “level” their playing field. It is meaningless without a two party representation of the U.S. government with the elections coming up. Don't let it be hindsight.
Our President has done more to offer the olive branch with dignity than any other in quite a while, barring “blackmail” payments of past administrations.
I would keep in mind an old Arabic saying: “We will let them set the table, but we will serve the meal.”
Tell John, I’m back and I’m in if he wants me. I was framed well...he should know it, look at who was involved.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Le Ann in Nevada writes:
The peace process with Arabs is futile until they recognize that Israel exists as a Jewish state.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
The peace process with Arabs is futile until they recognize that Israel exists as a Jewish state.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Alex in U.S.A. writes:
The only road to peace is to defeat and expel Arabs from Judea, Samaria and Gaza. They will never accept Jews living as equal in their midst. The "peace" process started in 1993 by Israeli left brought murderers from Tunis and enormous suffering to Jews and Arabs. The Conference is one more step in cornering Israel into unbearable in terms of security situation facilitated by current Israeli government. It will bring more terror and destruction into Israel.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
The only road to peace is to defeat and expel Arabs from Judea, Samaria and Gaza. They will never accept Jews living as equal in their midst. The "peace" process started in 1993 by Israeli left brought murderers from Tunis and enormous suffering to Jews and Arabs. The Conference is one more step in cornering Israel into unbearable in terms of security situation facilitated by current Israeli government. It will bring more terror and destruction into Israel.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Maurice in Maryland writes:
The purpose of this meeting is to make Israel non-viable. It is being used to that end by a Secretary of State who is a puppet for the U.S.-Saudi Oil Mafia.
The only good outcome would be a failure so total that Condoleeza Rice is utterly and permanently discredited and disgraced.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
The purpose of this meeting is to make Israel non-viable. It is being used to that end by a Secretary of State who is a puppet for the U.S.-Saudi Oil Mafia.
The only good outcome would be a failure so total that Condoleeza Rice is utterly and permanently discredited and disgraced.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Myra in New York writes:
The Arab nations have to believe that Israel has a right to exist, and that returning to the '67 borders is not going to happen. Look at the map. Look at the vast amount of land that is Arabic. Look at the tiny piece of land that is Israel.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
The Arab nations have to believe that Israel has a right to exist, and that returning to the '67 borders is not going to happen. Look at the map. Look at the vast amount of land that is Arabic. Look at the tiny piece of land that is Israel.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
David in New York writes:
Mahmoud Abbbas has to stop using his schools, media, and mosques to incite jihad, hatred, and murder.
Of course, he won't (but that wasn't the question).
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Mahmoud Abbbas has to stop using his schools, media, and mosques to incite jihad, hatred, and murder.
Of course, he won't (but that wasn't the question).
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Avi in New Jersey writes:
This will fail since the Arabs have not unequivocally rejected terrorism because they feel that it’s OK when it benefits them. They can't even agree on the definition of terrorism!
And if Israel is ready to be foolish enough to give more land for peace, which has failed to bring about peace in the past, then some Arabs are willing to see what they can get.
Hamas and other radical groups that threaten any peace that could be achieved have not been properly confronted (and disbanded by the PA) which also guarantees that these talks will fail.
It seems to me that propping up some Arabs (like Abbas) as moderates to win hearts and minds is unfortunately beyond wishful thinking.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
This will fail since the Arabs have not unequivocally rejected terrorism because they feel that it’s OK when it benefits them. They can't even agree on the definition of terrorism!
And if Israel is ready to be foolish enough to give more land for peace, which has failed to bring about peace in the past, then some Arabs are willing to see what they can get.
Hamas and other radical groups that threaten any peace that could be achieved have not been properly confronted (and disbanded by the PA) which also guarantees that these talks will fail.
It seems to me that propping up some Arabs (like Abbas) as moderates to win hearts and minds is unfortunately beyond wishful thinking.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
David in New York writes:
FACT: Abbas currently represents less than half of the "future Palestinian State". Hamas and the constant shelling from Gaza can not be ignored. No one is taking responsibility for what's happening there. Who is going to deal with Gaza?
Imagine the US's response if US border cities in New York or Texas were constantly being shelled from Canada and Mexico
FACT: The Palestinian side has consistently ignored its obligations and promises previously made. They must first catch up and fulfill agreements previously made. The US must insure that BOTH sides have fulfilled promises previously made.
There has to be give and take from both sides for the conference to work. Negotiations require TWO parties to cooperate. The two sides need to begin without preconditions.
Lastly, let's listen to the rhetoric that some of the parties involved publish on a daily basis. Don’t ignore the shelling, bombings and threats. Israel has NEVER threatened any of its neighbors with attack annihilation.
Hopefully this conference will start a dialogue between the parties involved.
Please, Prime Minister Olmert, remember that it takes 2 parties to negotiate. You don't have someone across the table that represents all the territory that is under discussion and there are serious doubts whether he can deliver anything he promises.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
FACT: Abbas currently represents less than half of the "future Palestinian State". Hamas and the constant shelling from Gaza can not be ignored. No one is taking responsibility for what's happening there. Who is going to deal with Gaza?
Imagine the US's response if US border cities in New York or Texas were constantly being shelled from Canada and Mexico
FACT: The Palestinian side has consistently ignored its obligations and promises previously made. They must first catch up and fulfill agreements previously made. The US must insure that BOTH sides have fulfilled promises previously made.
There has to be give and take from both sides for the conference to work. Negotiations require TWO parties to cooperate. The two sides need to begin without preconditions.
Lastly, let's listen to the rhetoric that some of the parties involved publish on a daily basis. Don’t ignore the shelling, bombings and threats. Israel has NEVER threatened any of its neighbors with attack annihilation.
Hopefully this conference will start a dialogue between the parties involved.
Please, Prime Minister Olmert, remember that it takes 2 parties to negotiate. You don't have someone across the table that represents all the territory that is under discussion and there are serious doubts whether he can deliver anything he promises.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Mat in Arizona writes:
I don't harbor much hope for this. I'm no Ivy League edumacated diplomat, just a simple Arizona redneck, but it seem to me you can only have peace when both sides are committed to it and I don't see that from either of the Palestinian factions, Hamas or Fatah. I don't see why State continues to pressure Israel to give up land for an illusory peace unless it is to please the Saudis.
If you diplomats can get the Palestinians to agree to renounce their goal of destroying the State of Israel then maybe it will be a success. But I wouldn't bet in Vegas on those odds.
So, if the Palestinians agree to accept the existence of the State of Israel and we avoid another massive transfer of US taxpayers money to a terrorist government that will use that aid to kill Israeli civilians then yes Annapolis will be a success. Good Luck.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
I don't harbor much hope for this. I'm no Ivy League edumacated diplomat, just a simple Arizona redneck, but it seem to me you can only have peace when both sides are committed to it and I don't see that from either of the Palestinian factions, Hamas or Fatah. I don't see why State continues to pressure Israel to give up land for an illusory peace unless it is to please the Saudis.
If you diplomats can get the Palestinians to agree to renounce their goal of destroying the State of Israel then maybe it will be a success. But I wouldn't bet in Vegas on those odds.
So, if the Palestinians agree to accept the existence of the State of Israel and we avoid another massive transfer of US taxpayers money to a terrorist government that will use that aid to kill Israeli civilians then yes Annapolis will be a success. Good Luck.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Meyer in New York writes:
In order for there to be the possibility of any progress towards peace, Israel's neighbors must remove from their constitutions, the intent to destroy Israel, and must remove all insightful hatred of Israel from their media, schoolbooks, etc. They must openly state that they accept Israel as a Jewish state. (Their delegations must exchange handshakes with the Israeli delegates. I refer to the head of the Saudi delegation, who stated that he would not shake hands with Israeli delegates.)
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
In order for there to be the possibility of any progress towards peace, Israel's neighbors must remove from their constitutions, the intent to destroy Israel, and must remove all insightful hatred of Israel from their media, schoolbooks, etc. They must openly state that they accept Israel as a Jewish state. (Their delegations must exchange handshakes with the Israeli delegates. I refer to the head of the Saudi delegation, who stated that he would not shake hands with Israeli delegates.)
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Ed in New York writes:
Arab recognition of Israel. Delay of further negotiations until all Palestinian terror groups are dismantled, all Arab media outlets cease anti-American and anti-Semitic hatred.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Arab recognition of Israel. Delay of further negotiations until all Palestinian terror groups are dismantled, all Arab media outlets cease anti-American and anti-Semitic hatred.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Gary in Canada writes:
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am concerned that Israel is being asked to make all the concessions and demands. The Arab nations are bringing nothing but hate, warnings and threats of violence to the table.
The Arab world is strong and it has the necessary resources, land and access to worldwide help to settle the Palestinian refugee problem once and for all. Look at how the Emirates have created an oasis of capitalism in the desert (tainted by some undesirable aspects of Islam, yes, but many times better than neighboring Arab Islamic countries with similar resources).
The Arabs could, if they wanted to, utilize the manpower and strength of the Palestinians in a positive way (rather than using them and abusing them in an endless political and religious war on non-Muslims) by inviting them to become citizens of their own rich Arab countries.
It is the Muslim countries that are preventing a solution because of their rapaciousness. They want to own and control everything in the region, especially the land of Israel where one of their important Mosques is situated. Islam has subsumed and consumed other religions in its desire to make others inferiors and dependants of Islam (dhimmitude is the word).
The peace process has always been one-sided: Israel is asked to give and the Arabs make demands. This assumes a moral superiority on the part of the Muslims that they do not deserve and that we should not be allowing them to exercise.
If talks cannot be held between equals and the Arab side is demanding all the respect, all the concessions and all the giving while they lazily do nothing more than make demands and manipulate the world into a false understanding of the truth, then peace will always be an impossibility.
I would like to hear one Arab leader open up his heart and his country to the Palestinian people instead of urging them to take what is not theirs or was lost to them through wars which they initiated in order to ethnically cleanse the Jewish people which, thankfully, never happened -- and hopefully never will.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am concerned that Israel is being asked to make all the concessions and demands. The Arab nations are bringing nothing but hate, warnings and threats of violence to the table.
The Arab world is strong and it has the necessary resources, land and access to worldwide help to settle the Palestinian refugee problem once and for all. Look at how the Emirates have created an oasis of capitalism in the desert (tainted by some undesirable aspects of Islam, yes, but many times better than neighboring Arab Islamic countries with similar resources).
The Arabs could, if they wanted to, utilize the manpower and strength of the Palestinians in a positive way (rather than using them and abusing them in an endless political and religious war on non-Muslims) by inviting them to become citizens of their own rich Arab countries.
It is the Muslim countries that are preventing a solution because of their rapaciousness. They want to own and control everything in the region, especially the land of Israel where one of their important Mosques is situated. Islam has subsumed and consumed other religions in its desire to make others inferiors and dependants of Islam (dhimmitude is the word).
The peace process has always been one-sided: Israel is asked to give and the Arabs make demands. This assumes a moral superiority on the part of the Muslims that they do not deserve and that we should not be allowing them to exercise.
If talks cannot be held between equals and the Arab side is demanding all the respect, all the concessions and all the giving while they lazily do nothing more than make demands and manipulate the world into a false understanding of the truth, then peace will always be an impossibility.
I would like to hear one Arab leader open up his heart and his country to the Palestinian people instead of urging them to take what is not theirs or was lost to them through wars which they initiated in order to ethnically cleanse the Jewish people which, thankfully, never happened -- and hopefully never will.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Ron in Kansas writes:
In an effort to keep it short, sweet, and to the point here goes nothing.
People are a product of their environment and if that has been one of consistent battle, instability, and chaos then to expect anyone within that environment to feel hopeful of anything different doesn't make sense.
That’s why there are leaders. Those who purport to represent their perspective populous carry the responsibility of bringing any change related to the surrounding regions.
If nothing else Annapolis will for once in a long time bring an opportunity to show the world as a whole which countries are truly willing to work towards peace and which simply like to play along while keeping their own agendas well in hand to the contrary.
Don't think each and every one of the countries attending don't realize this, and you can bet more than one aren't too excited about it.
Not sure where I heard this but it rings true
------------------------------------------------
You may not like where you stand when it's over and done with; but at least you 'll know where you stand.
Just my 1 1/2...
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
In an effort to keep it short, sweet, and to the point here goes nothing.
People are a product of their environment and if that has been one of consistent battle, instability, and chaos then to expect anyone within that environment to feel hopeful of anything different doesn't make sense.
That’s why there are leaders. Those who purport to represent their perspective populous carry the responsibility of bringing any change related to the surrounding regions.
If nothing else Annapolis will for once in a long time bring an opportunity to show the world as a whole which countries are truly willing to work towards peace and which simply like to play along while keeping their own agendas well in hand to the contrary.
Don't think each and every one of the countries attending don't realize this, and you can bet more than one aren't too excited about it.
Not sure where I heard this but it rings true
------------------------------------------------
You may not like where you stand when it's over and done with; but at least you 'll know where you stand.
Just my 1 1/2...
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Jerry in New York writes:
Hezbollah Recruiting Thousands Of New Soldiers Thanks To U.S. Diplomatic Failures, Lebanese Electoral Crisis (Plus: State Department Wants To Repeat Same Plan In West Bank And Wants Your Feedback)
Hezbollah still mysteriously not disarmed
In fairness to the State Department and the Bush Administration, this is a total surprise, right?
Hezbollah is exploiting the tense political deadlock in Beirut to recruit thousands of new fighters, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal. The Iranian-backed Shia militant group has begun drawing fighters from across the sectarian divide, including Sunnis, Christians and Druze, in an effort to create a united opposition to the government... Last night, Lebanese Brigadier Gen Amin Hotait warned that Hezbollah had expanded its recruiting to bring Sunni, Christian and Druze fighters together under the banner of an opposition. He said that the arming and recruiting campaign began after Hezbollah declared "divine victory" over Israel after the month-long war last year. It has been continued in defiance of calls by the United Nations Security Council and the Western-backed government in Beirut for Hezbollah to disarm.
Now we could go for the cheap and easy "Lebanon is the West Bank" punch line: there's something familiar about the State Department's Lebanon II strategy, where they prevented the IDF from dismantling an Iranian proxy in a futile attempt to bolster a fundamentally weak and electorally doomed slightly-more-moderate Arab regime. But we did that one last week. Instead we're going to go with the other cheap and easy "Lebanon is the West Bank" punch line: isn't it great how the US is giving cutting edge military tech to the Lebanese government, as if the local Iranian proxy could never, ever take it over electorally or militarily?
Incidentally, how can it possibly be the case that Hezbollah began rearming immediately after Lebanon II? The commander of UNIFIL seemed so sure when he condescendingly mocking Israelis for insisting that Hezbollah was rearming. It's almost like the State Department and the UN make things up to coerce Israel into making concessions, and then scapegoat Israel when their demonstrably false assumptions lead to policy disasters. Almost, right?
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Hezbollah Recruiting Thousands Of New Soldiers Thanks To U.S. Diplomatic Failures, Lebanese Electoral Crisis (Plus: State Department Wants To Repeat Same Plan In West Bank And Wants Your Feedback)
Hezbollah still mysteriously not disarmed
In fairness to the State Department and the Bush Administration, this is a total surprise, right?
Hezbollah is exploiting the tense political deadlock in Beirut to recruit thousands of new fighters, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal. The Iranian-backed Shia militant group has begun drawing fighters from across the sectarian divide, including Sunnis, Christians and Druze, in an effort to create a united opposition to the government... Last night, Lebanese Brigadier Gen Amin Hotait warned that Hezbollah had expanded its recruiting to bring Sunni, Christian and Druze fighters together under the banner of an opposition. He said that the arming and recruiting campaign began after Hezbollah declared "divine victory" over Israel after the month-long war last year. It has been continued in defiance of calls by the United Nations Security Council and the Western-backed government in Beirut for Hezbollah to disarm.
Now we could go for the cheap and easy "Lebanon is the West Bank" punch line: there's something familiar about the State Department's Lebanon II strategy, where they prevented the IDF from dismantling an Iranian proxy in a futile attempt to bolster a fundamentally weak and electorally doomed slightly-more-moderate Arab regime. But we did that one last week. Instead we're going to go with the other cheap and easy "Lebanon is the West Bank" punch line: isn't it great how the US is giving cutting edge military tech to the Lebanese government, as if the local Iranian proxy could never, ever take it over electorally or militarily?
Incidentally, how can it possibly be the case that Hezbollah began rearming immediately after Lebanon II? The commander of UNIFIL seemed so sure when he condescendingly mocking Israelis for insisting that Hezbollah was rearming. It's almost like the State Department and the UN make things up to coerce Israel into making concessions, and then scapegoat Israel when their demonstrably false assumptions lead to policy disasters. Almost, right?
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Lucille in U.K. writes:
Annapolis makes noises that will prove unintelligible because it has no teeth and is profoundly deaf and just dumb.
When you can get the Arab leaders and the Palestinians to truly accept the right to exist of a Jewish State on its religious and historical homeland in the Middle East, then there is a glimmer of hope. Until then, they fall back on concepts of "jihad" and "dar al-Islam" to whip up their populations and deflect the anger of their own people away from them. For them, "Peace" can only be a temporary expedient.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Annapolis makes noises that will prove unintelligible because it has no teeth and is profoundly deaf and just dumb.
When you can get the Arab leaders and the Palestinians to truly accept the right to exist of a Jewish State on its religious and historical homeland in the Middle East, then there is a glimmer of hope. Until then, they fall back on concepts of "jihad" and "dar al-Islam" to whip up their populations and deflect the anger of their own people away from them. For them, "Peace" can only be a temporary expedient.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
David in New York writes:
If the parties agree to further negotiation, and not violence, it will be a success.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
If the parties agree to further negotiation, and not violence, it will be a success.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Joel in Florida writes:
In order for the Annapolis Conference to provide any successful results, it is necessary that the Palestinian attendees become civilized and free themselves from a terror/hostility based position, and act like a people rather than a criminal gang. They must repeat must learn to live with their neighbors, even if they do not like them. It is not necessary to like or trust one's next-door neighbors, but feeling that violence can be visited upon them is folly. Personally, I do NOT look for any positive outcome to this meeting. But that is good. The sooner a splash of cold water hits the faces of the attendees, the sooner they will get about the reality show of their art of the world
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
In order for the Annapolis Conference to provide any successful results, it is necessary that the Palestinian attendees become civilized and free themselves from a terror/hostility based position, and act like a people rather than a criminal gang. They must repeat must learn to live with their neighbors, even if they do not like them. It is not necessary to like or trust one's next-door neighbors, but feeling that violence can be visited upon them is folly. Personally, I do NOT look for any positive outcome to this meeting. But that is good. The sooner a splash of cold water hits the faces of the attendees, the sooner they will get about the reality show of their art of the world
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Burt in U.K. writes:
Success would mean the Arabs dropping their foolish demand for "right of return", and agreeing to compensate the 850,000 Jews who were thrown out of Arab countries post 1948 after their goods were confiscated.
Success would also be recognizing Israel, dropping "rejectionism", and stopping wanton terror..
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Success would mean the Arabs dropping their foolish demand for "right of return", and agreeing to compensate the 850,000 Jews who were thrown out of Arab countries post 1948 after their goods were confiscated.
Success would also be recognizing Israel, dropping "rejectionism", and stopping wanton terror..
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Raul in Argentina writes:
I think it is very unlikely to get a good result. I just wonder why the West supports this meeting just now when Hamas is about to controll Palestinian authority. A Palestinian State would only lead to another war like Iraq and Afganistan. Why supporting the creation of a terrorist State which can threaten world peace and become a new center of al-Qaeda terror?
I would consider a good point if at least Palestinians recognised Jerusalem as the Israeli Capital and withdrew their claim to return.
It is absurd to speak of two States, if Arabs claim Jews be removed from Cisjordania and Gazza, and at the same time claim Arabs can live in Israel and send refugees. It cannot be considered a two State solution.
Anyway which is the point in negotiating with Abbas while Hamas controls the situation?
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
I think it is very unlikely to get a good result. I just wonder why the West supports this meeting just now when Hamas is about to controll Palestinian authority. A Palestinian State would only lead to another war like Iraq and Afganistan. Why supporting the creation of a terrorist State which can threaten world peace and become a new center of al-Qaeda terror?
I would consider a good point if at least Palestinians recognised Jerusalem as the Israeli Capital and withdrew their claim to return.
It is absurd to speak of two States, if Arabs claim Jews be removed from Cisjordania and Gazza, and at the same time claim Arabs can live in Israel and send refugees. It cannot be considered a two State solution.
Anyway which is the point in negotiating with Abbas while Hamas controls the situation?
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Juan in Florida writes:
There will be a tangible result from Annapolis and that is that terrorists worldwide will get the message that terrorism pays.
A conference hosted by none other than the president of the U.S. is a reward to terrorism. And, if Israel should agree to any 'conditions', there will be a 'tangible' prize to terrorists worldwide, that will only encourage more terrorism.
Handing out a few kilometers of Israeli land to Arabs will not bring about peace. This is a dangerous delusion, especially since this land would certainly become a terrorist stronghold.
Remember, all other peace conferences were followed by only more terrorism.
The September 11 attacks were clearly a result of years of appeasement, chief among them the infamous Oslo 'peace' conference.
As another example, Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, another 'peace' initiative brought about a war, and heavy militarization of Lebanon by a vicious and dangerous band of terrorists that hate Israel and western values.
Same with Gaza, which is now a Hamas stronghold.
I say no more 'peace' conferences until Palestinians and Arabs behave peacefully, and terrorism subsides worldwide.
Further, I would suggest that the U.S. promote a “100 years of peace” campaign, that is, one hundred years of uninterrupted peace will be followed by a conference, at Annapolis if you like.
Now, that would be something tangible.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
There will be a tangible result from Annapolis and that is that terrorists worldwide will get the message that terrorism pays.
A conference hosted by none other than the president of the U.S. is a reward to terrorism. And, if Israel should agree to any 'conditions', there will be a 'tangible' prize to terrorists worldwide, that will only encourage more terrorism.
Handing out a few kilometers of Israeli land to Arabs will not bring about peace. This is a dangerous delusion, especially since this land would certainly become a terrorist stronghold.
Remember, all other peace conferences were followed by only more terrorism.
The September 11 attacks were clearly a result of years of appeasement, chief among them the infamous Oslo 'peace' conference.
As another example, Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, another 'peace' initiative brought about a war, and heavy militarization of Lebanon by a vicious and dangerous band of terrorists that hate Israel and western values.
Same with Gaza, which is now a Hamas stronghold.
I say no more 'peace' conferences until Palestinians and Arabs behave peacefully, and terrorism subsides worldwide.
Further, I would suggest that the U.S. promote a “100 years of peace” campaign, that is, one hundred years of uninterrupted peace will be followed by a conference, at Annapolis if you like.
Now, that would be something tangible.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Mark in New York writes:
Nothing since the State Department is filled with anti-Semitic or should I say anti-Jewish Arabists, just ask Ollie North like I did. But why should I have to tell you guys that you’re the State Department.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Nothing since the State Department is filled with anti-Semitic or should I say anti-Jewish Arabists, just ask Ollie North like I did. But why should I have to tell you guys that you’re the State Department.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Jerry in New York writes:
Annapolis is a danger to Israeli security and thus to the United States as well. Weakening an ally seems poor policy. Rather, emphasis should be placed on demands for Arab and Muslim flexibility, since that is the trait they seem to be lacking. Recognition of Israel as the State of the Jewish People would go a long way in demonstrating this flexibility. The creation of a truly apartheid Palestinian state in which neither Jew nor Christian will be able to live or own property is not a long-term desirable outcome.
The best result of Annapolis would be for the United States to come to the realization that a Manhattan Project is necessary to rid itself of the undue influence wielded by Saudi Arabia because of its oil wealth. Their influence warps policy in ways that are anathema to American interests and cultural inclinations. We are pauperizing Americans by not viewing the transfer of our wealth to the Middle East as a crisis in progress.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Annapolis is a danger to Israeli security and thus to the United States as well. Weakening an ally seems poor policy. Rather, emphasis should be placed on demands for Arab and Muslim flexibility, since that is the trait they seem to be lacking. Recognition of Israel as the State of the Jewish People would go a long way in demonstrating this flexibility. The creation of a truly apartheid Palestinian state in which neither Jew nor Christian will be able to live or own property is not a long-term desirable outcome.
The best result of Annapolis would be for the United States to come to the realization that a Manhattan Project is necessary to rid itself of the undue influence wielded by Saudi Arabia because of its oil wealth. Their influence warps policy in ways that are anathema to American interests and cultural inclinations. We are pauperizing Americans by not viewing the transfer of our wealth to the Middle East as a crisis in progress.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Ben in Illinois writes:
The Arabs move back to Saudi Arabia where they came from and leave the Land of Israel Arab-free, so that the Jews, to whom the land was given, can go about their destiny to serve HaSh-m (the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and Creator of the Universe) and build the 3rd Temple to bring about the Redemption and hasten the arrival of the Moshiach (Messiah). Simple isn't it. However, this is no answer for the Arabist, US State Dept who has fought against HaSh-m tooth and nail for a long time and voted for the false Moon god Allah every chance it got. HaSh-m has given us the great gift of free-will to either be wise or a fool. However, He has given us rules to be wise and if we ignore them, then the results be on our own heads.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
The Arabs move back to Saudi Arabia where they came from and leave the Land of Israel Arab-free, so that the Jews, to whom the land was given, can go about their destiny to serve HaSh-m (the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and Creator of the Universe) and build the 3rd Temple to bring about the Redemption and hasten the arrival of the Moshiach (Messiah). Simple isn't it. However, this is no answer for the Arabist, US State Dept who has fought against HaSh-m tooth and nail for a long time and voted for the false Moon god Allah every chance it got. HaSh-m has given us the great gift of free-will to either be wise or a fool. However, He has given us rules to be wise and if we ignore them, then the results be on our own heads.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Bill in Pennsylvania writes:
This peace conference, like those before it, is an exercise in futility. One cannot reason or negotiate with irrational and dishonest bargaining partners. When Israel turned Gaza over to the Palestinians, the Palestinians began by demolishing the greenhouses they were given by well-meaning philanthropists. They also demolished synagogues that they could have turned into houses, schools, or even mosques. This behavior is irrational, because even the world's most aggressive conquerors do not destroy property that they or their people might use.
Then the Palestinians elected a terrorist government, spent enormous sums of money on weapons instead of food and other necessities, and began to fire missiles at Israel. This underscores the fact that the Palestinians are also dishonest. In our culture, a truce means "no fighting and no killing." An Arab hudna is a phony or temporary truce whose sole purpose is to give its proponents a respite while they recover the means of perpetrating more violence.
It is not possible to negotiate or reason with a society that behaves in this manner while raising its children from birth to be terrorists. The Marshall Plan worked for Germany after the Nazis had been removed from power and tried at Nuremberg. Any attempt to give the Palestinians the equivalent of the Marshall Plan while Hamas is still in power is futile or worse.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
This peace conference, like those before it, is an exercise in futility. One cannot reason or negotiate with irrational and dishonest bargaining partners. When Israel turned Gaza over to the Palestinians, the Palestinians began by demolishing the greenhouses they were given by well-meaning philanthropists. They also demolished synagogues that they could have turned into houses, schools, or even mosques. This behavior is irrational, because even the world's most aggressive conquerors do not destroy property that they or their people might use.
Then the Palestinians elected a terrorist government, spent enormous sums of money on weapons instead of food and other necessities, and began to fire missiles at Israel. This underscores the fact that the Palestinians are also dishonest. In our culture, a truce means "no fighting and no killing." An Arab hudna is a phony or temporary truce whose sole purpose is to give its proponents a respite while they recover the means of perpetrating more violence.
It is not possible to negotiate or reason with a society that behaves in this manner while raising its children from birth to be terrorists. The Marshall Plan worked for Germany after the Nazis had been removed from power and tried at Nuremberg. Any attempt to give the Palestinians the equivalent of the Marshall Plan while Hamas is still in power is futile or worse.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Robert in U.S.A. writes:
Ehud Olmert's government should collapse and nothing should come out of a conference to create a terrorist JudenRein, anti-Semitic and anti-Christian state in the Middle East. That would be deemed a success.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Ehud Olmert's government should collapse and nothing should come out of a conference to create a terrorist JudenRein, anti-Semitic and anti-Christian state in the Middle East. That would be deemed a success.
Posted on Mon Nov 26, 2007
Jack in California writes:
For this to be a success we'd need to say recognition and acknowledgment of Israeli sovereignty by the Pals and Arab nations. A commitment by the Arabs to end terror and support of terror as well as verbal and written condemnation.
But in reality none of these things will happen.
http://www.seraphicpress.com/archives/2007/11/saving_israel.php
Posted on Sun Nov 25, 2007
For this to be a success we'd need to say recognition and acknowledgment of Israeli sovereignty by the Pals and Arab nations. A commitment by the Arabs to end terror and support of terror as well as verbal and written condemnation.
But in reality none of these things will happen.
http://www.seraphicpress.com/archives/2007/11/saving_israel.php
Posted on Sun Nov 25, 2007
SNP in Syria writes:
NRG.co.il, the website of Maariv (the 2nd most popular daily newspaper in Israel), did a web survey today.
The question was: "How will the Annapolis conference end?"
Here are the results:
* Only with a photo - 92%
* With a real process - 8%
Number of web voters: 1,440
Walla.co.il (an Israeli Yahoo like portal), the 2nd most popular local site and a primary news source did a web survey today.
The question was: "What are you most interested in?"
Here are the results:
* The Annapolis conference - 8%
* When will the teachers' strike end - 49%
* The latest police affair 5%
* The frequent earthquakes - 35%
* The quarrels in the judiciary system - 3%
Number of web voters: 19,287
Nana10.co.il (an Israeli portal), the 5th most popular local site and a news source, did a web survey today.
The question was: "The Annapolis conference is�"
Here are the results:
* The right road to peace - 12%
* The road to another failure - 16%
* The road to the next Intifada - 18%
* The road to nowhere - 54%
Number of web voters: 1,137
Posted on Sun Nov 25, 2007
NRG.co.il, the website of Maariv (the 2nd most popular daily newspaper in Israel), did a web survey today.
The question was: "How will the Annapolis conference end?"
Here are the results:
* Only with a photo - 92%
* With a real process - 8%
Number of web voters: 1,440
Walla.co.il (an Israeli Yahoo like portal), the 2nd most popular local site and a primary news source did a web survey today.
The question was: "What are you most interested in?"
Here are the results:
* The Annapolis conference - 8%
* When will the teachers' strike end - 49%
* The latest police affair 5%
* The frequent earthquakes - 35%
* The quarrels in the judiciary system - 3%
Number of web voters: 19,287
Nana10.co.il (an Israeli portal), the 5th most popular local site and a news source, did a web survey today.
The question was: "The Annapolis conference is�"
Here are the results:
* The right road to peace - 12%
* The road to another failure - 16%
* The road to the next Intifada - 18%
* The road to nowhere - 54%
Number of web voters: 1,137
Posted on Sun Nov 25, 2007
Bennett in U.S.A. writes:
* Recognition that Israel is a Jewish state
* Israel has the right to secure and defensible borders
* Creation of a Palestinian state is tied to the cessation of terrorist attacks
Posted on Sun Nov 25, 2007
* Recognition that Israel is a Jewish state
* Israel has the right to secure and defensible borders
* Creation of a Palestinian state is tied to the cessation of terrorist attacks
Posted on Sun Nov 25, 2007
David in New Jersey writes:
What is most encouraging in the region is a growing recognition that investment in human capital must increase and lead to greater employment in self-sustaining development.
Although it may not be on the agenda at Annapolis, one outcome could be a resolution to explore the idea of an online university for the entire Middle East along the lines of the Western Governors University in the United States. In the Middle East, such an institution could involve every country in the region and could permit sharing instruction across borders.
Posted on Sat Nov 24, 2007
What is most encouraging in the region is a growing recognition that investment in human capital must increase and lead to greater employment in self-sustaining development.
Although it may not be on the agenda at Annapolis, one outcome could be a resolution to explore the idea of an online university for the entire Middle East along the lines of the Western Governors University in the United States. In the Middle East, such an institution could involve every country in the region and could permit sharing instruction across borders.
Posted on Sat Nov 24, 2007
William in Texas writes:
Lack of an intifada after its failure.
Posted on Fri Nov 23, 2007
Lack of an intifada after its failure.
Posted on Fri Nov 23, 2007
James in Virginia writes:
Peace.
Posted on Fri Nov 23, 2007
Peace.
Posted on Fri Nov 23, 2007
Zharkov writes:
Would this be yet another Palestinian "peace" conference with billions of U.S. tax dollars transferred to the so-called Palestinian "leaders" in exchange for an automatically-ignored peace agreement?
Will we be supplying the Palestinian leadership/former terrorists with chemical weapons or merely machine guns and tanks? How many suicide bombers will receive U.S. citizenship in exchange for their promise to behave?
I think the conference should be considered a success only after it is moved to Paris to be negotiated exclusively with the French. It's the favorite shopping place for the billionaire wives of former Palestinian leaders and their luxury goods remind us of the success of previous peace conferences.
Posted on Wed Nov 21, 2007
Would this be yet another Palestinian "peace" conference with billions of U.S. tax dollars transferred to the so-called Palestinian "leaders" in exchange for an automatically-ignored peace agreement?
Will we be supplying the Palestinian leadership/former terrorists with chemical weapons or merely machine guns and tanks? How many suicide bombers will receive U.S. citizenship in exchange for their promise to behave?
I think the conference should be considered a success only after it is moved to Paris to be negotiated exclusively with the French. It's the favorite shopping place for the billionaire wives of former Palestinian leaders and their luxury goods remind us of the success of previous peace conferences.
Posted on Wed Nov 21, 2007
U.J. writes:
Are you asking rhetorically or because the State Department actually has no idea? With all that State's accomplished in the last 3 years, you'd think the Israeli/Palestinian issue would be a breeze, huh?
Lots of luck in Annapolis.
Posted on Wed Nov 21, 2007
Are you asking rhetorically or because the State Department actually has no idea? With all that State's accomplished in the last 3 years, you'd think the Israeli/Palestinian issue would be a breeze, huh?
Lots of luck in Annapolis.
Posted on Wed Nov 21, 2007
SNP in Syria writes:
Tangible evidence of the success of this Annapolis sham conference (a photo op basically so Rice and Bush can place the photos over the fireplace when these low achievers leaves office) will be a settlement that is based on the Syrian Nationalist Party Middle East Peace Plan. That is, Israel is a Jewish State. Jerusalem is its capital, if so the Jews chose. The Jews, those that hold the Hebrew Tribes surnames and any modern or derivative thereof have the right of return into and live in peace in all and any parts of Israel. The right of these tribes holding surnames to rebuilt the temple on top of the destroyed Second Temple by facilitating an Architectural Development plan to relocate the Aqsa further Eastward and clear the Mount for the Jews to rebuild. The right of return of Palestinian that have been living as refugees into Jordan and into Greater Gaza, by expanding its southern boarders toward the Sinai, along the Mediterranean coast and developing all sort of resorts area along this barren and not inhabited coastal region on Sinai. That expanse of land can be purchased from Egypt, in the same way the U.S bough Alaska from the Russian.
Anything short of that, the Jews will be fools to negotiate anything less than these terms. But we all know Bush, Rice, Abbas, Olmert and Barak, so expect nothing to happen other than a circus show and tens of thousands of photos, one may be nice to display on top of the fireplace for Bush Ranch. Abbas don�t have a fireplace, so he will hang it above his used car salesman like Presidential office and will be hung there until Hamas take over the West bank, then you will see news footage showing that Annapolis souvenir tossed on the floor with broken glass and half burned.
Footnote:
The Syrian Nationalist Party does not hold any merit to Islamic nor Arab nationalist claims, arguments and made up fictitious history regarding the status of Jerusalem and the Mount area. It relies exclusively on Syrian History. Under such views, the party recognizes that at the time of the Roman invasion of the City, Hebrew, the dialect of the Jews, who the party recognizes as originally assembled from the disfranchised and the lower classes of that time in Greater Syria were the exclusive language used in written and spoken form in the City of Jerusalem. Therefore, the City is a Hebrew Settlement town and includes its surrounding habitats. Arabs, Muslims and Palestinians have neither right in nor claim to Jerusalem.
Regarding the Temple Mount;
There are no written evidence whatsoever to the Muslim and Arab well known legends, that is all they are, story telling. Should the Archaeological evidences discovered and authenticated by a neutral, non interested third parties of Archaeologists, using modern Archaeological DNA methods, determined to be that in fact those discovered artifacts are of the First Temple Mount, and the discovery contains evidences that the site was in fact the Temple as described in Biblical writings, not just pots and pan civil settlement, the Jews, holder of the tribes names and derivative thereof, not the Khazzar or converted Madonna, should have the right and title to the site and the exclusive right to re-build the temple if so they choose and on the condition that no Blood Ceremony may be performed in this rebuilt Third Temple.
Posted on Wed Nov 21, 2007
Tangible evidence of the success of this Annapolis sham conference (a photo op basically so Rice and Bush can place the photos over the fireplace when these low achievers leaves office) will be a settlement that is based on the Syrian Nationalist Party Middle East Peace Plan. That is, Israel is a Jewish State. Jerusalem is its capital, if so the Jews chose. The Jews, those that hold the Hebrew Tribes surnames and any modern or derivative thereof have the right of return into and live in peace in all and any parts of Israel. The right of these tribes holding surnames to rebuilt the temple on top of the destroyed Second Temple by facilitating an Architectural Development plan to relocate the Aqsa further Eastward and clear the Mount for the Jews to rebuild. The right of return of Palestinian that have been living as refugees into Jordan and into Greater Gaza, by expanding its southern boarders toward the Sinai, along the Mediterranean coast and developing all sort of resorts area along this barren and not inhabited coastal region on Sinai. That expanse of land can be purchased from Egypt, in the same way the U.S bough Alaska from the Russian.
Anything short of that, the Jews will be fools to negotiate anything less than these terms. But we all know Bush, Rice, Abbas, Olmert and Barak, so expect nothing to happen other than a circus show and tens of thousands of photos, one may be nice to display on top of the fireplace for Bush Ranch. Abbas don�t have a fireplace, so he will hang it above his used car salesman like Presidential office and will be hung there until Hamas take over the West bank, then you will see news footage showing that Annapolis souvenir tossed on the floor with broken glass and half burned.
Footnote:
The Syrian Nationalist Party does not hold any merit to Islamic nor Arab nationalist claims, arguments and made up fictitious history regarding the status of Jerusalem and the Mount area. It relies exclusively on Syrian History. Under such views, the party recognizes that at the time of the Roman invasion of the City, Hebrew, the dialect of the Jews, who the party recognizes as originally assembled from the disfranchised and the lower classes of that time in Greater Syria were the exclusive language used in written and spoken form in the City of Jerusalem. Therefore, the City is a Hebrew Settlement town and includes its surrounding habitats. Arabs, Muslims and Palestinians have neither right in nor claim to Jerusalem.
Regarding the Temple Mount;
There are no written evidence whatsoever to the Muslim and Arab well known legends, that is all they are, story telling. Should the Archaeological evidences discovered and authenticated by a neutral, non interested third parties of Archaeologists, using modern Archaeological DNA methods, determined to be that in fact those discovered artifacts are of the First Temple Mount, and the discovery contains evidences that the site was in fact the Temple as described in Biblical writings, not just pots and pan civil settlement, the Jews, holder of the tribes names and derivative thereof, not the Khazzar or converted Madonna, should have the right and title to the site and the exclusive right to re-build the temple if so they choose and on the condition that no Blood Ceremony may be performed in this rebuilt Third Temple.
Posted on Wed Nov 21, 2007
Ronald in New York writes:
Criteria for Success in Annapolis:
1 - 40 seats occupied.
2 - No verbal or physical violence.
3 - Saudi support for Israeli/Palestinian agreement.
4 - Everyone has a copy of the "Roadmap"
5 - Sponsorship by Garmin or Tom-Tom.
6 - Crabcakes on the menu.
7 - No Hezbollah or Hamas disruptions.
8 - President attends full conference.
9 - No "Oil for Peace" deals.
10 - Separate checks.
Posted on Wed Nov 21, 2007
Criteria for Success in Annapolis:
1 - 40 seats occupied.
2 - No verbal or physical violence.
3 - Saudi support for Israeli/Palestinian agreement.
4 - Everyone has a copy of the "Roadmap"
5 - Sponsorship by Garmin or Tom-Tom.
6 - Crabcakes on the menu.
7 - No Hezbollah or Hamas disruptions.
8 - President attends full conference.
9 - No "Oil for Peace" deals.
10 - Separate checks.
Posted on Wed Nov 21, 2007
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