Voice of Reason

Once more Arabs bravely send a clear-cut signal of their genuine commitment to the realization of just and comprehensive peace in the region. Actually, the majority of peace loving worldwide welcomed the recent tripartite Summit Meeting issued communiqué at Sharm Al-Sheikh. It indeed played to the tune of peace advocates who strongly believe that the need is dire more than any time as to reinvigorate the stalled more than 12 year long process of peace. The process with all its accomplishments and even setbacks has to be given a boost. The ball is now in the other field. The echoes of thousands of peace advocates have reached so far; yes peace needs all parties to be seriously engaged and committed. No conditions for peace exist other than those internationally taken and acknowledged UN resolutions. It is now Mr. Sharon’s turn to address all concerns of all sides as Arabs have so far done in their recent peace initiative and communiqué.
Honestly, the US efforts for peace in this part of the world, apart from the recent astonishing and contradictory statements by US Undersecretary and its seemingly blind bias to Israel, have immensely contributed to salvaging the region from a further catastrophe. With this in mind, here are some honest words and testimonies by some of objective voices inside the US ruling machine. The US Congress have debated recently a pro-Israel decision. Here are some quotes from the Internet, thanks to this modern technology and its inventors, which I think are extremely important in the interest of bridging gaps of misunderstandings paving the way for a better tomorrow for all.
Rep. Nick Rahall, D-West Virginia said: "I support the state of Israel. I do not support the brutal humiliating policies of Ariel Sharon… Yes, Israel is our ally… But…we need other allies in the region as well.", "What about the moderate Arab allies that want to help us, to whom we only cast further embarrassment today by the passage of these one-side resolutions? Let us not shut the door… on those allies of ours around the world…who want to help" "…The bottom line is we cannot dispossess a people and then attempt to govern them by occupying their land, by forcing them to subsist in refugee camps, by blocking roadways to their jobs, by refusing access to medical attention, by cutting them off from their schools and universities, and by discounting their humanity. This is not the roadway to peace." Added Mr. Rahall.
Rep. Jim Moran, D-Virginia said: "…President Bush called 'for Israel to halt incursions into Palestinian-controlled areas and begin the withdrawal from these cities it has recently occupied.' This country supports UN Resolution 242 and Israel's unwillingness to comply is a contributing factor to the cycle of despair…". Rep. John Dingall, D-Michigan said: "…The Administration needs Congress to support its efforts to engage both the Israelis and Palestinians as an honest broker that sees the death of any innocent human being as a tragedy and threat to the long-term interests of the parties involved, our regional allies, and the United States. Congress must stand for peace, for it is peace alone that will benefit Israel, Palestine, and the United States.
"The Administration does not need Congress to pass one-sided, provocative measures that undermine U.S. diplomacy and our ability to address this problem, which has proven to be a cancer on Israel, Palestine, the region, and U.S. diplomacy." Concluded Mr. Dingall. Many of us are indeed eager to visit the US in line with the much talked about ‘ civilization dialogue’ and up to date technology and knowledge. Knowledge is a universal treasure as a tool in the interest of all people in the small global village of today. It is now more than ever when our mutual exchange of experience, knowledge and dialogue is needed The need is urgent for reason as to bridge gaps narrower rather than wider. Personally, I do urge Mr. George W. Bush not to sign a law to the disadvantage of many.
Furthermore, Rep. Lois Capps, D-California, said: " It is not right to simply voice our personal emotions and not advance our national interests. This resolution should be stronger. "First, it should recognize the suffering of the Palestinian people. Many of the 1,500 Palestinians killed in this conflict are not terrorists or fighters, but innocent people. "Surely, the United States of America and its Congress should consider the death of an innocent child to be equally tragic -- whether she is Israeli or Palestinian; Jewish, Christian, or Muslim. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon said: "…the increasingly hard line being taken by the Israeli government, and the current military offensive being conducted by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, will do nothing to bring about lasting peace in the region. The United States must bring the Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table. It has become obvious to all but Sharon and Arafat and their most ardent followers that there is no military solution to this conflict. Hundreds of reservists in the Israeli Defense Forces are refusing to serve in the Palestinian territories because they understand there is no military solution…. "…I intend to vote against the unbalanced resolution on the floor today because it does nothing to advance peace."
Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Washington said: "…we would speak up when our brother makes a judgment to his own harm, so we ought to speak out and say that the continued expansionist policy of settlement growth in the West Bank is hurting Israel. And our acquiescence, our silence, in this resolution hurts Israel and does not serve her true vision of high moral values for which we have always admired her.". Rep. David Bonior, D-Michigan said: "Like most Americans, I support Israel. However, also just like most Americans, I do not support - and will not support - all Israeli policies. "…what of the suffering of the Palestinian people? "What of the history of land confiscation, water rights, torture, settlements, collective punishment, HOME demolitions, curfews, administrative detentions and expulsions? "Where is the language about well over a thousand Palestinians killed in the last 19 months - bodies found under the rubble? "Where is the language about the thousands made HOMEless by the bulldozers in Jenin alone? "Where is the language about relief agencies denied access to treat the sick and wounded? "Palestinians live in 59 different recognized refugee camps in poverty and with no hope in sight for a brighter future for the next generation born in the camps. "
 

BY
Mohammad Abdo Al-Ibrahim
Abdo88@ureach.com

Policy  HOME    Golan  News