Thursday, December 10, 2009
Khaled Abu Toameh has an as usual must-read at Hudson: Wanted: Palestinian "Peace Now" Movement
Many Palestinians who work with international or Israeli organizations whose job is to promote peace and coexistence in the Middle East are often afraid or reluctant to discuss the nature of their work, even though it is much more important to teach Palestinian children about coexistence, peace and normalization with Israel than to pressure Mahmoud Abbas to return to the negotiating table.
In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, any talk about these is still associated with treason and defeatism. The Palestinian leadership's actions and words have sent the following message to its constituents: Any person who thinks about normalization or coexistence with the Jewish state will be severely punished.
By cracking down on the Palestinians who are working for normalization and coexistence with Israel, both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have prevented the emergence of a real peace camp among Palestinians. Has anyone ever heard of an authentic and serious "Palestinian Peace Now" movement in the West Bank or the Gaza Strip?
Where are all the American, European and local non-governmental organizations that are supposed to use US and EU taxpayers' money to promote peace, moderation and coexistence?...
He gives a number of examples, and of course this is a region-wide phenomenon (outside Israel), even in such 'moderate' Arab states like Lebanon, where the mere exploration of the idea of peace with Israel risks a treason accusation. No freedom, no peace.
Where is "Salaam Now"?
Where is "Muslim Voice for Peace"?
Where is "Musilms for Racial and Economic Justice"?
Iran has a more vibrant anti-islamofascist movement than "paleswine".
I've been waiting for a Palestinian Peace Now for many years.
Mathematicians call this an 'existence theorem' -- something that, simply because it exists at all, proves something important. Contrariwise, the absence of any such organization proves something, doesn't it?
I'm willing to believe that Palestinians in Gaza are afraid to speak out for normalization, even if they believe in it. But what does that say about the Palestinian population living comfortably in the United States? Who are they afraid of?
In short: one side wants peace a lot more than the other side does, and is willing to do a lot more to get it. Peace treaties do not come from that, regardless of how much negotiations there are.
respectfully,
Daniel in Brookline