Politics & Stuff

[Mohammed Seif 1,451]

Yeah, I didn't say he was a moderator either (though definitely not a radical or extremist), but what I was alluding to is that there would probably be a higher chance of the two sides reaching agreements with someone like Arafat (especially in his last years) than someone like Abbas. Being moderate is not enough, you need someone who represents the people.

Oh in that sense I totally agree. Though I think the Palestinians will follow and back up anyone who gives them hope.

[Fulham Broadway 17,305]

Oh in that sense I totally agree. Though I think the Palestinians will follow and back up anyone who gives them hope.

Arafat was a great mentor and example to the Palestinians - such a tragedy that now it is almost certain he was poisoned, it leaves any notion of trust in a precarious position.

I must say though the discussions on this thread, from people coming from poles apart have been conducted politely, and the leaders of israel and the Palestinians are more intransigent and childish than some of TC members. They could learn from our diplomacy and quid pro quo !

[Mohammed Seif 1,451]

Arafat was a great mentor and example to the Palestinians - such a tragedy that now it is almost certain he was poisoned, it leaves any notion of trust in a precarious position.

I must say though the discussions on this thread, from people coming from poles apart have been conducted politely, and the leaders of israel and the Palestinians are more intransigent and childish than some of TC members. They could learn from our diplomacy and quid pro quo !

Arafat sure did as much as he could for the Palestinians. Will always be remembered as a symbol of resistance. The most brilliant thing about this thread, besides what you have mentioned, is that there are third parties. People like yourself, stingray, dion and others who contribute in a rather constructive manner. The more ideas that are brought in, the more information, the different angles of tackling the situation, all this educates everyone more and gives valuable insights. Not to mention it forms lots of cultural bridges.

[Stingray 9,441]

Yup. Unilateral agreements with Egypt without consulting any of the Palestinian parties. Sure that builds trust, especially after a record of breaking cease fires in the past. Hamas may be asholes, but I do not think Palestinians are naive... Great move to massage the international opinion, while you have the best excuse to keep on coin what your are doing #politics

Chris Doyle‏@Doylech

Israeli anger re Hamas not agreeing to ceasefire might be credible if it had not a record of breaking them eg 2012/13 pic.twitter.com/b9Ekt4O8f1

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[Peppen 934]

For fuck's sake. Get your shit together, Israel.

[xPetrCechx 13,570]

For fuck's sake. Get your shit together, Israel.

???

[Dion 2,476]

Arafat was a great mentor and example to the Palestinians - such a tragedy that now it is almost certain he was poisoned, it leaves any notion of trust in a precarious position.

I must say though the discussions on this thread, from people coming from poles apart have been conducted politely, and the leaders of israel and the Palestinians are more intransigent and childish than some of TC members. They could learn from our diplomacy and quid pro quo !

That's why mediators are invaluable in order to solve problems when hatred is involved. It blinds both parties and makes it difficult to compromise, because it requires both sides making concessions, and none of them want to be the first one to do it because they feel it would be a sign that they were losing or conceding defeat. Why would you back down if you were winning? What's difficult to see is that none of them is winning, both are losing.

I've had a personal experience with that when my parents got a divorce. My parents are some of the smartest people I know. Specially my dad. But damn, I swear they were behaving more childish and stupid than my little brother who was 9 at the time. It requires a lot of wisdom and composure to be able to clearly assess the situation when you're directly involved and affected.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Can't even begin to explain how much I want this to be true and actually happen:

But I guess that's more wishful thinking than anything....

[Fulham Broadway 17,305]

Can't even begin to explain how much I want this to be true and actually happen:

But I guess that's more wishful thinking than anything....

I wouldnt be surprised if that is true Chou. Thing is we know Israel will reject the prisoner release bit out of hand, and that they will do what ever they can to reignite the situation in 3, 6 months time even if it was to occur.

Shrewd and sensible move by Hamas though...puts the ball in their court with a 'we want peace' angle rather than the 'Israel has no right to exist' mantra.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I wouldnt be surprised if that is true Chou. Thing is we know Israel will reject the prisoner release bit out of hand, and that they will do what ever they can to reignite the situation in 3, 6 months time even if it was to occur.

Shrewd and sensible move by Hamas though...puts the ball in their court with a 'we want peace' angle rather than the 'Israel has no right to exist' mantra.

It's agonizing because if that somehow by some miracle happens, it would be the exact same 'leap of faith' that we were saying was needed to move this conflict out of the current stalemate. That could seriously be the first step towards a solution. Too bad it won't happen. Sigh...

[EBH 283]

Yeah, the horse that is Israel's right to exist has long bolted, no point in trying to shut the gate now. Better to have something at least rather than gamble everything on the unlikely event of a complete Israeli collapse.

Edit: at FB

[Spike 12,049]

If the Palenstines where given their land back where would the Israelis go?

[EBH 283]

If the Palenstines where given their land back where would the Israelis go?

The truly Israeli Jews would stay behind presumably, while European Israelis would be repatriated somewhere in Europe, potentially a Jewish state established on what is now German territory. That would be my solution to the problem.

[Mohammed Seif 1,451]

Can't even begin to explain how much I want this to be true and actually happen:

But I guess that's more wishful thinking than anything....

That Rafah border will be a major issue with the Egyptians. It will take A LOT of negotiations and Egypt will not be too flexible especially if hamas are controlling the other side.

[Mohammed Seif 1,451]

They asks to many things they not gonna get. they want airport, good joke.

BTW what do you think about that (Egyptian TV):

That is really old news. Egyptians hate Hamas, but they can distinguish clearly between Hamas and the Palestinians in Gaza. In case you don't know, we are on fighting militants in Sinai on daily basis, some of which are Hamas, Qaeda and other militant groups. But we care about the Palestinians. However the loss in civilian lives is minimal as we are approaching these operations carefully. Plus, the residents of Sinai are helping the army. That is the key in dealing with such situation. Try to take out the enemy without hurting innocents. But that is not the approach Israel is taking.