Now back to Arafat and his death, it will be interesting to see how Palestinians will restructure the Palestinian Authority (PA) in hopes of finding a credible successor. There has already been some internal struggle as former PM Abu Mazen was attacked while visiting some mourners in a tent after Arafat's burial service. The assailant shouted out that he is an agent for the Americans. These extreme parties spearheaded by HAMAS and ISLAMIC JIHAD need to be incorporated somehow into the government and done so delicately that more moderate elements will flourish within the organizations. The Hizb Allah can be seen as a model for this type of incorporation, or parliamentization. Hizb Allah, which has become more moderate these days, except in its fight against Israel, which people have to understand is provoked by Israel daily, has 7 members in parliament 1 of whom is Maronite Christian and 1 who is Sunni Muslim. The party does not require an ethnic identity to be a member, for the group was created to resist the Israeli occupation. This incorporation will prove to be a extremely crucial step to move towards peace.
A Reflection on Arafat
While Arafat will also be branded by the American media as a conniving terrorist who was never working for peace, the Palestinians will always remember him for be a strong willed leader who would not give up the cause of the Palestinian people. There are many different issues that Arafat held as important to the Palestinian people which included the right to return, a right that seemingly will never be granted to the Palestinians. Some of the conditions that were demanded by the Israelis, would mean defeat to Arafat and the Palestinian people, so while Americans and Westerners alike look at different offers Arafat was given and think rationally that Arafat was crazy to not accept what Israel was offering, they need to turn the table and see it as what the Palestinians have already given up. Putting aside ones religious belief, such as the issue of Israel belonging to the Jews because of God (Allah), the Palestinians have been making the most concessions out of the two parties. Just as a last comment, I want to remind anyone reading this, whether it be a friend of mine or not, that I am in no way inclined to one side or the other, while I am interested in Arab studies, I am a white American with a Catholic background. I have studied the Bible very well. I am talking a rational human being who are looking at two separate parties in conflict.
Solution to the Conflict?
I have said once before that the only true solution is the binational state, which may not be the most immediate step in the peace process, (look at it as a phase such as Marx's thinking of capitalism) the phase being the two state solution first. Finally, the binational state will take root after the two parties are willing to drop the violence and Israel becomes demilitarized. The United States will have to be a major player in pressuring the Israelis to give concessions to the Palestinians, or the conflict will remain with asymetric power distribution. Only time will tell.
Well that is enough for now, hope you have enjoyed this discussion, and it will generate a thirst in your mouth for more information.
