Positive Disengagement with Israel

2012 - It's now 2012 and the terror continues.  I must qualify the remarks which follow.  Six years ago, I wrote the following narrative on a political settlement with Israel, and I wrote it in the most diplomatic manner possible.  But after the last six years I have lost hope for diplomacy.  There is no longer any meaningful two state solution. There is only continual misery and evil.  The forces for good in Israel have all left.  The only forces left are those who despise the people surrounding them and feel it is their "manifest destiny" to destroy all of them.


2008 - This is a reprint from a blog I posted in 2006 in connection with our involvement in Iraq.
Due to the recent tragedies in Gaza, I have taken this portion of the 2006 blog and have elevated to the top of the list. We must all do what we can to help achieve a peace, dignity, independence and prosperity for the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank.

Positive Disengagement with Israel:
Beginning with the premise that we recognize Israel's right to exist, we must, however, radically change our policy to jump start a peace process. We must disengage from our military and financial support for Israel. Put Israel on notice that all military contracts, all financial aid, etc will be suspended until Israel unilaterally withdraws to the original UN defined green line. Be assured that with this move, we are not abandoning Israel. To the contrary, we would be doing this with the expectation that a final peace can come to Israel, within its original borders. Of course, this will be painful, expensive, and will depend on the political will of the Israeli government and its people. However, by our immediate act of disengagement, we will have changed our relationship with the entire Mideast area for better, regardless of how long it takes for Israel to accomplish this. The next move will be up to Israel, but at least, the US can be seen as a force for good and no longer trapped in a dysfunctional relationship with Israel.

Disengagement from Israel is absolutely the first constructive step that must be taken to create an atmosphere for peace talks resulting in a lasting peace among all countries in the Mideast. Concurrently, we must address the millions of Palestinian refugees, still living in camps (and in limbo for over two generations) through-out the Mideast. Disengagement, along with the absolute acceptance of the right for Israel to exist within its original borders will be painful for the Palestinians to accept, as well. This represents the ultimate imposition of a two-state solution, a solution that many Palestinians do not want, in favor of returning to original lands within Israel. There will unhappiness on both sides (the usual trademark of a successful compromise). However, the pain on all sides will be worth it, if peace finally comes to the people of that area, and more importantly, to the children and grandchildren of that area.

Mideast diplomacy:
Coupled with disengagement with Israel, we need to start talks with other Arab countries, previously (and unfortunately) labeled under the banner: axis of evil. This will also cause a profound change as we agree to open dialogue from a position of mutual respect, with countries like Iran and Syria, and political parties like Hamas. Of course, there are militant voices and actions in these countries, but surely the United States is secure enough to reach through the saber rattling and open up dialogues with peace as the objective.