Peace Must Start Somewhere
Ariel Sharon has put on the table the unilateral withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and portions of the West Bank. The move is widely seen as an attempt by Sharon to bolster his own sinking political ship (Sharon is under investigation in Israel for financial improprieties and is under fire from both right-wing and left-wing Israelis) and has been condemned by much of the world. President Bush is one of the few world leaders to praise the move.
The transcript of President Bush's comments can be found at http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/15/politics/15MTEX.html?ex=1082779200&en=f8a2dbdb16d4aae1&ei=5070
Please note that the Israeli Knesset has yet to approve the move.
There are many flaws. "Unilateral" means no engagement of the Palestinian leadership. Neither side agreed to anything. It might not even happen.
But still....
The optimist in me views this as the opportunity to create an independent Palestinian state and government capable of further negotiations. President Bush said "now it's up for responsible Palestinians, caring Europeans, Americans, the United Nations, to step in and help develop such a state that will be a peaceful state, one in which money will actually end up helping the people of the Palestinian — Palestinians — to be able to grow their businesses and grow their — find wealth for their families." And with that statement I agree whole-heartedly.
Once an area has been given over to the Palestinians several things must happen and quickly:
A massive influx of aid to create an economic infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, secular schools and seed money for businesses. Unemployment in the Occupied Territories is at an astronomical 90%. Significent contributions must come from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other Arab states. The creation of a thriving and independent Palestinian state must be a prideful event for the Arab world.
Free elections must be scheduled and held and the duly elected leadership, REGARDLESS OF POLITICAL ORIENTATION OR TIES, must be recognized by the international community. Yes, there is the likliehood that the first elected leader will have terrorist ties. Even so. Only an elected an empowered Palestinian leader can negotiate.
Thereafter, true negotiations must begin.
No, the borders will not return to 1949 positions. Again quoting President Bush "it is unrealistic that the outcome of final status negotiations will be a full and complete return to the armistice lines of 1949" as there are "new realities on the ground." There has to be recognition that more than 50 years have passed. That ship sailed long ago.
But even so, there is the kernel of peace here. But, frail as it is, it will take the whole world to shelter and nurture it.