A lot of forces, some deliberately some unwittingly, are pushing us towards war.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan cares nothing for the Palestinian people. He is driven by personal ambition to bring Turkey once again to the leadership of the Islamic world. He knows that the best way to do so is by the time honored and proven tactic of "Israel bashing. To date, there is no better method of acquiring legitimacy in the Arab world. His lies and incitements have been consistent and have only been enhanced by the recent flotilla events. He is single minded in his drive towards conflict with Israel, the results of which will be disastrous to Israel, but much worse for the Palestinians.
U.S. President Barack Obama's policies, as stated by the president himself, are geared to pave a road to the heart of the Muslim and Arab world (for the record: the American way of life is in conflict with Islam and, yes, there is such a thing as radical Islam). Obamas actions indicate that he too believes that he must pay with an Israeli coin to achieve popularity in the Arab world. (He has a chance to change that perception during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit.)
Still, Obama is perceived as weak and indecisive against foes, strong and resolute against friends. His policies emboldens leaders like Erdogan to continue throwing matches onto this explosive powder keg. By allowing the Palestinians to continue to refuse direct negotiations and by pressuring Israel to make more concessions without getting anything in return, he is not promoting peace and a better life for Palestinians, but pushing the region towards war. Once again, the result will be disastrous, mostly to Palestinians.
Following the flotilla fiasco and the knee-jerk, Israel-blaming reaction, the world demanded that Israel lift its blockade of Gaza. Congratulations world, it worked. Hamas leaders Ismail Haniya and Khaled Mashal can take another step toward becoming a legitimate, recognized government. And, by doing so, the world condemns Gaza's Palestinians to many more years of suffering under the tyrannical boot of extremists.
I've written previously how some "peace activists" and self proclaimed "human rights activists" have nothing to do with real human rights. People who care about human rights can not support a Hamas regime just as they can't support the brutal Iranian regime.
But, does anyone really care about peace anymore?
Do all the anti-Israel demonstrators and self appointed saviors of the Palestinian cause truly have the best interest of the Palestinians in mind?
To me the answer is clear – they don't. Here's why:
• A true pro-Palestinian, one who cares about the human rights and the independence of the Palestinian people, would demand the international community apply pressure to relieve the Palestinians from the oppressive, murderous and brutal regime of Hamas with at least the same fervor as they demand an end to the "Israeli occupation."
• A true supporter of the two-state solution would demand that Israel and the PA meet face-to-face to negotiate and work out an agreement.
• A true supporter of a peaceful and stable Middle East will fear a nuclear Iran and will demand their leadership do something about it.
• A true supporter of peace will understand that the only solution is a mutual recognition between Israelis and Palestinians, and not a one-sided blame game.
• A true supporter of peace understands that de-legitimizing Israel, calling for the destruction of Israel, vilifying Israel as a horrible regime that must be eradicated, isolating Israel, calling for BDS, singling out Israel with false charges while ignoring true violations of human right in other parts of the world, does not promote peace. It bolsters tyranny. It begs the question – why make peace with such an evil country to begin with? It promotes war.
Ironically, to be truly pro-Palestinian, to hope for the best future for the Palestinian people one must also be a supporter of a safe and secure Israel. It is only with both these parameters filled can we hope for real peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Indeed, one can be a Zionist and pro-Palestinian. I am.
If you find yourself in a place that de-legitimizes Israel, calls for the destruction and eradication of Israel – know this – you are an enemy of peace.
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