In ancient times the area was known as the Land of the Philistines. The name eventually became Anglicized and evolved to Palestine. As an area without defined borders it was home to Jewish and nomadic Arabic tribes; it later served as the birthplace of Christianity and in the 7th century saw the dawn of Islam. There is no history of Palestine as a nation-state, but people born in the area are Palestinian Arabs, Palestinian Christians and Palestinian Jews, the latter known more commonly as Sabras. Palestinian became a political term in 1967, referring primarily to the Arabic population in that region.
From 1517 through 1918, the region was controlled by the Ottoman Empire. After World War I, because the Ottomans sided with the Germans, the area was carved up by the French and the British. Countries were artificially created as rewards to tribal groups that fought against the Ottomans during the war. Those countries’ boundaries resemble modern day Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and a British Mandate covering the area that now includes Israel.
Although Jewish tribes lived in the area for more than 5,000 years, other ancestries co-existed and remained there through the conquests of the Romans, Greeks, Christian Crusaders and ultimately the Ottomans. In the late 19th century, the Zionist movement inspired a wave of Jewish immigration to the Palestine region. Another wave followed after the Holocaust, and ultimately, Israel was created from a small part of the existing British Mandate. This was done in 1948 by a United Nations’ resolution and was immediately followed by a declaration of war against Israel by her Arab neighbors.
Since then this land, holy to three faith traditions, has existed in almost constant conflict. In September 1970 the Hashemites, the legitimate ruling party controlling Jordan, forcibly removed the militant Palestinian Arabs, the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), from Jordan and drove them into Lebanon. Later in the 1970s the Syrians invaded Lebanon intent on destroying the most radical element of the PLO known as Fatah.
In spite of paying lip service to the Palestinian plight, few of the Arab countries wholeheartedly support a militant Palestinian state with fanatical goals that prevent tranquility in the region. Such a state would represent an enormous threat to any balance of power, especially if that state continued to be fed with arms and propaganda from Iran.
The more success militant political groups like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon enjoy, the more the traditional and moderate seats of power in the Middle East, not just Israel, will be threatened. That would morph in to an even larger geo-political danger.
The Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank are economic, geographical and social nightmares and that must change. Three generations have lived through the largess of donor countries, primarily the United States and Europe, and most of that money has either disappeared or been put to very little positive use.
The administrative ruling parties encompassing Gaza and the West Bank have included in their charters the destruction of the state of Israel as a primary goal. Given that these areas share the western and eastern borders of Israel, it would be suicidal for Israel to encourage these groups—sworn enemies—to pursue statehood under their current leadership and give them legitimacy.
In 2006 the residents of Gaza voted and put Hamas in power, in effect rendering negotiations impossible because of Hamas’ militant legacy. It was a clear signal the leadership in Gaza would attempt to destroy Israel before thinking responsibly about nation building.
Currently, the world is condemning Israel for the military action they are taking in Gaza. The perpetrators of terrorism should be stopped at every juncture and the horrible loss of civilians is a terrible causality of any military operation. But if Hamas were to experience any success, it would embolden them and other terrorist groups to engage in terrorist activities in other parts of the world. Hamas would not stop with Israel.
Jews and Arabs have historical eras of living together harmoniously and there have been centuries of accord in the Middle East, Spain and other regions. For now, Israel has drawn a line in the sand against terrorism, not against the Palestinians.
Former Israeli Prime Minister, Golda Meir, aptly said four decades ago, “We will have peace with the Arabs when they love their children more than they hate us”.
Tags: A line in the sand, Hamas
January 21, 2009 at 4:46 am |
Lou,
This is a subject that has baffled me from my first understanding of elements of the conflict. European/British solutions/meddling has further complicated locally-based culture and transitions. The development of myriad local factions has complicated the traditional white hat/black hat observations. Yes, the Israelis have attempted to wipe out the Gaza strip in the last few weeks but I now at least understand that it would be short-sighted to blame them alone. This subject takes much study and the participants – white, black and grey hats change frequently. I pride myself on my attempts to understand this complicated story – much like northern Ireland and other places of complex conflict in the world – so I can only wonder how others can even venture an opinion without a college semester of study. That said, the one conclusion I have is that where U.S. policy should land is not simple. Generations have passed since 1948 and have muddied what may have once been clear waters. But the solution is not Hamas rule and it appears that the Israelis may be in the right this time in spite of the once again awful loss of life.
January 21, 2009 at 7:18 pm |
Dear Kathy B,
There is rarely a military solution that solves a political problem. The Israelis were not attempting to wipe out the Gaza Strip but were hopeful to remove or lessen the rocket and mortar barrages targeted against Israel.
After the 1967 war it became obvious the Arab or Muslim countries were not likely to defeat Israel militarily. Their response was to incubate, encourage and foster radical terrorist groups that would aim to eradicate Israel. These groups have since found private funding and on occasion, intentional and unintentional support from governments through-out the world.
As these groups proliferated, they found backing not just amongst the Palestinians, but from average citizens stretching from Morocco to Iran. Their aims have far exceeded the eradication of Israel. They have become threats to existing governments in the entire region seeking to replace standing governments with states enraptured with radical Islam. In spite of creating them, most countries, apart from Iran and Syria, are now trying to reign in these groups. The parallel to our support of Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan is astounding.
Unfortunately, these groups now operate in one fashion or another in every European country and the United States. If the problem were left between the Israelis and the Palestinians there might be a solution. But it has grown to world proportions and Gaza is simply the current stage of events.
Hamas was born from the Muslim Brotherhood, the latter being an organization making political inroads in Egypt. With Egypt and Jordan in close proximity, they are both watching events unfold and are likely not comfortable about the potential poisonous message from Hamas being spread to their own countries.
If progress were to be made, it would need to be from the Muslim and Arab states de-legitimizing these organizations and curtailing financial support. The thrust of U.S. policy should be to pursue that goal and afterwards a chance for peace would be greatly enhanced.
Regards,
Lou
January 21, 2009 at 5:29 am |
I remember sitting in a foxhole in Viet Nam reading the attacks on our policy in Asia and the almost blind support for Israel written by the same people. Now the tide has turned on Israel and it seems just as absurd. It seems obvious to me that Israel simply wants to live in peace and the Arabs want an replay of Europe 1940. As long as Israel is shelled it will fight back and from what I can see their response has been inadequate. The Arabs keep shelling. The foundations for this hate and war are so deep in religious and cultural terms that it is unlikely that anything will change until there is a clear victory (whatever that means). The other day I heard a radio commentator state that our new President must be ready with his Middle East Policy. What good is that going to do? We are merely giving the Israels and Arabs a forum to spew their meaningless politicalspeak. I recommend that we simply walk away and tell them to call when they have worked it all out. The shock that would cause might actually accomplish something. No matter what happens over there the world will still get Arab oil. They need and want the money. Let’s bring the troops and diplomats home and tend to our own knitting.
January 21, 2009 at 4:25 pm |
The timing and cessation of the invasion of Gaza probably teel more of a story than anything else.
Then the truism that “You Can’t Kill them all” should remind us of the Jews own plight in the German and Russian actions that prefaced world war II. Reason would suggest that the Palestinians and the Isrealis have more in common than not, a common culture and land that goes back thousands of years. A monotheist tradition and belief in a series of prophets used to interpret the commandments of that God. (To bad they weren’t the same prophets) The traditions also are common from dietary to social mores to teaching the golden rule is common to all if my reading are accurate.
So what is the issue? It’s not just the rockets or keeping the palestinians corraled like animals, it is ultimately power and at the moment the Isrealis are more powerful. Ah but what would happen if the US backing Isreal and the other Arab benfactors funding the Palestinians said “get along both of you or the flow of money stops”.
My guess is that in a matter of years peace would begin and solutions, albeit difficult would find a way into the area’s collective beliefs.
No you can’t kill them all and moreover the type of reponse seen here, undisciplined and probably in contradiction to accepted conventions of attack against civilian populations, might humiliate the enemy and embolden the body politic back home but as a basis for peace….
Through these actions you have only entrenched the hatred and image not of a powerful neighbor but as tyrannical enemy. Is that the image that will bring peace?
Put this whole conflict in personal terms. Why don’t we see the common thread in our humanness? What is wrong with another’s beliefs being different from our own? Are we so unsure of ourselves as to be unwilling to try to understand something different or new? It is the flexible and adaptive societies, nations, families and individuals who survive and prosper, those who are willing to learn and try new things. What are we seeing in the Mideast? More importantly perhaps what will we see unfold in this country can we be flexible, adaptive willing to try new solutions?
January 26, 2009 at 9:17 pm |
Dear Bob,
The modern day conflict provokes many points of view, but the establishment of Israel by the United Nations in 1948 was not accepted by most Arabic countries. In the present tense, or 60 years after the U.N. resolution, some nations and political movements refuse to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist. If Israel has a right to exist, it is her government’s role to protect her citizens.
The Palestinians also have a right to safely exist and a right to self determination if the latter does not include the eradication of another state. Unfortunately, the Palestinian political plight has been hijacked by extremists that are not interested in living side by side with the state of Israel but remain bent on Israel’s destruction. This has been a clear message for nearly three generations.
Recently, a Dallas jury convicted The Holy Land Foundation and its officers, a U.S. charity, for soliciting money, approximately $12 million that was sent to Hamas to further their terrorist activities. If these organizations took a more positive thrust and found a way to use the money given to both sides to further opportunities, not acts of terror, the world would be a better place. However, on a practical sense it seems to serve some countries and/or individuals to keep the flow of money and arms as turmoil in that area suits their own political agenda.
The Palestinian-Israel conflict is not the core but it remains a crucial element in finding long lasting peace in the Middle East. In the larger picture, terrorists are not freedom fighters once their demands exceed any political or social realignment that is possible.
I am not a believer that we or anyone else can bomb or kill their way to peace. Historically, that theory has not proven effective. On the other hand, I have even more doubt about a policy of appeasement, or that being nice will result in the other party reacting in the same manner. Demands such as they eradication of the state of Israel and later a Palestinian state being built upon the ruins will result in a greater catastrophe than the existing situation.
Regards,
Lou
January 21, 2009 at 4:34 pm |
When I look at maps of the region it reminds me of a flea on a dog’s head–tiny Gaza the flea, much larger Israel the dog. The flea chews away at and irritates the dog, the dog scratches and swats at the flea, and so it goes. Given the analogy, the only peace for the dog is for the flea to go away through an ample application of flea powder. The other option is for the dog’s or the flea’s life to run its course and end. I wonder if there will ever be peace for Israel and Gaza and how it will be achieved–”flea powder” or the life of Gaza or Israel ending. The two may go hand-in-hand.
January 21, 2009 at 8:23 pm |
Dear Rayna,
Great analogy but let’s take it one step further.
If it were just the dog and the flea, they could find some compromise having the flea occasionally bite the dog and the dog occasionally scratching at the flea. Unfortunately, the flea eventually meets another flea and they procreate and suddenly there’s a thousand fleas. Too many fleas can’t be satisfied with one dog and they hop on to other dogs, to the carpet and even the linens.
Now they’re out of control and after one small taste of the dog’s blood, they’re bombing train stations in Spain, blowing up buses in England, and leveling discos in Indonesia.
Perhaps I have gone too far and I should add that I believe the aim of the average Palestinian is to live in peace and that coincides with the desire of the average Israeli.
One needs to be aware that Hamas is the political voice for the people in Gaza. If Hamas continues to preach death and destruction and behave belligerently then more harm than good will come to the Palestinians. Hamas has been explicit about their intent to eradicate Israel and build a Palestinian state in its place. These are not just idle words and over 6000 rocket and mortar rounds have been launched from Gaza to Israel. Does that indicate a desire for peace and harmony?
Regards,
Lou
January 21, 2009 at 8:33 pm |
I’m still amazed that Hamas has generated so much power from that minuscule patch of land. Perhaps you’re right and, sadly, the fleas have outgrown the dog. Maybe it is time for the flea powder. I’m still puzzled as to why Hamas wants to eradicate Israel.
January 26, 2009 at 9:12 pm |
Hey Lou,
That was a great synopsis of the history of the Jewish state. I should tell you that at heart, I’m a Zionist. My support for Israel is strong and I believe that President George W. Bush was the most pro-Israel president in the last 60 years. The thing that puzzles me is why so many American Jews voted for Barack Obama. They voted for Bill Clinton as well and he was far more pro-Arab than most of his predecessors.
I often wonder if American Jews care about the fate of Israel. We all know that Israel wouldn’t be in existence today without the support of America. Since, I’m not Jewish, maybe you can explain it to me.
Here is something with which I’m totally aware. There is a great deal of anti-Semitism in the world. The same is true in the USA. Many Americans believe that it is America’s support of Israel which is at the root of our troubles with the Muslims. Actually, I believe that it is much more than that. If it weren’t for their oil, Arabs would still be nomadic tribes herding goats and camels. The oil has dragged them into the 20th and 21st centuries.
I believe that the Muslims, once a great force in the world, are jealous of losing that status. The Moors occupied much of the Iberian Peninsula for 700 years. They once maintained great institutions of learning, invention and discovery. We still use Muslim innovations today. But, their beliefs have dragged them into a dark ages’ existence. America is a new county and culture. They may think that we haven’t paid the price for our greatness. So, we must be taught a lesson…we must be brought down. True, our support of Israel makes hating America easier.
I’ll take Israel with its flaws and would eliminate all contact with Arab nations until they demonstrate that they want to be a productive part of the world community. If there are additional attacks by radical Islam, my response would be swift and severe…very severe.
Joe Cascarelli
January 27, 2009 at 4:33 pm |
Dear Joe,
I have been asked the question many times about the Jewish affiliation with the Democratic Party. I am not sure there is a correct answer but it reminds me of Charles Barkley’s quote “The poor blacks have voted with the Democratic Party for 50 years and they’re still poor”.
I can give a few suppositions; some or none may be accurate.
In spite of the anti-Semitism you mentioned, America is a country that has been very open to Jewish culture. There has never been a place offering Jews more opportunity, freedom of religion and security. The Jewish intellectuals in the early 20th century had an enormous identification with social causes, particularly during the birth of Communist Russia. This has been trans-generational and Jews tend to identify with other oppressed groups and render support. During the same era, the “white shoe” Republican Party was notorious for banning Jews from Country Clubs, prestigious law firms and Ivy League colleges. A lot has changed but often people’s mindsets get cemented in the past.
FDR was not a friend of the Jews that were trying to emigrate from Europe to the United States during World War Two. But the New Deal was the type of social engineering that appealed to the mainstream Jewish community. There is a legacy in the Torah that Jews are required to take care of other Jews and some interpret that passage as a gateway for prosperous Jews to serve all of mankind.
The teacher’s union is probably the largest union voting block for the Democrats. Jewish teachers in urban areas in America were prolific for the last two or three generations. Statistically, over 70% of teachers identify either with the Democratic Party or were polled as liberal leaning. That encompasses a fair amount of Jewish voters.
American Jews wholeheartedly support Israel but there are some notable exceptions. It has almost become chic in places like Hollywood or New York to be Jewish and be critical about Israel’s military aggressiveness. I believe most Jews tend to vote their social conscience as opposed to supporting the most ardent political advocates of the state of Israel. There is a serious lapse in the Jewish American community that fails to recognize the terrorist danger goes well beyond the status of Israel’s security.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a cause but it is no longer the core problem. If a reasonable solution were found between Israel and the Palestinians, I believe acts of terrorism directed at the west would continue and possibly escalate. There are ample terrorist sects with a multitude of agendas that have little interest in peace in the Middle East or the rest of the world.
There is a marvelous history of Muslim Arabs and Jews in Iberia. There wasn’t equality but there was sufficient harmony to allow each group to profit and prosper from the other and develop a rich cultural history. When the Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492, many of the Sephardim went to North African countries and other places within the Ottoman Empire.
I cannot be critical of Muslim Arabs that have clung to their ancient cultural identity. Orthodox Judaism still clings to 5000 years of tradition and custom. Some other Muslim cultures outside of the Arab world have done the opposite and have made great leaps forward identifying with the west in many business and cultural areas. There is a small fraction of Muslim society that is bent on destroying the west and they are attempting to highjack the religious values of Islam into a destructive force. The despotic regimes in the Middle East unleashed many of the terrorists groups and now the same regimes find it impossible to rein them in.
For now, the American Jewish community is kvelling for President Obama and we all await the new administration’s reaction to the ongoing terrorist threat.
Regards,
Lou
January 27, 2009 at 6:12 pm |
I used to live in the Detroit area. The Detroit area is the home of a very large Islamic community and a very large Jewish community. Arabs in Detroit own businesses that employ Jews and Jews own businesses that employ Arabs. They seem to get along as well as anyone else. I think this scenerio plays itself out across America. What a novel concept. It’s Rodney King’s idea of everyone just getting along. Of course, if they didn’t get along we would bus their kids into each other’s schools.
The solution to this age old conflict will come from the Palestinian people who are tired of leaders who keep them at war and keep their children living in poverty with no chance of a future. Unfortunately, the Palestinians seem to believe that if they can kill all the Jews, even though it may mean their own total demise, that this would be a victory.
Hamas has claimed victory, and the Palestinian people rejoiced, after the incredible pounding the Palestinains took over the past few weeks in Gaza. The lessons of non violence as a solution seems to be lost on them. What would happen if the Palestinians simply put down their arms? The only conclusion one can draw from the continued violence is that someone or some group profits in some way by the continued violence and hatred toward Israel.
January 27, 2009 at 9:01 pm |
Dear Paul,
The Palestinians and the Jews are both Semitic people which is not a criteria for getting along but they generally live in harmony and tolerance in most American cities. Perhaps they accept the blessing of living in America and are thankful for not being in the Middle East.
The radical Islamic element that has used terrorism as a weapon has no interest in peace with the Israelis or any other western country. It is pure fantasy to believe that either peace or the eradication of Israel will change the thrust of the fanatics bent on causing chaos.
It has been crucial for the despotic regimes in the Middle East and in other Islamic countries to show support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. This maintains legitimacy between the regimes and their Islamic population and displays the regimes’ anti-Israel stance and at times an anti-western stance. In reality, many of these regimes care little about the Palestinians while simultaneously they fear the radical monsters they have created will eventually get footholds in their own countries.
The first step to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is to have the sponsors cut off financial and military support to the terrorist groups. This will be difficult as nations like Iran and Syria have long range political goals, and countries like Russia, North Korea and China are delighted to make military equipment available to any cash buyer.
There is a saying in Israel “If the Palestinians put down their weapons there would be peace; If the Israelis put down their weapons there would be no Israel”. I believe it is that simple.
Best regards,
Lou