As an optimist I like to believe that a new party, and a fresh start presents a possibility for change for all involved. In Palestine and Israel two political parties have recently come to power. Hamas and the recently created Kadima. Hamas' rhetoric does not admit the existence of a Jewish state; causing problems for any kind of compromise that the future may hold. The Kadima party, the brainchild of Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert, is based on the promise that the borders of Israel will be set by 2010. The interests of these two parties are in such strong opposition that it seems one will not survive.
I believe that this is not the case; Israel is here to stay, and Palestine will continue. There are signs that these two wildly opposing parties may possibly find a solution. A recent letter to the UN from the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Palestine states that they wish to find a peaceful and secure solution through which Palestine and its neighbors may exist. This does not formerly change their declaration on the non-existence of Israel, yet does signal a possibility that they are willing to work with Israel; as they must to survive.
Hamas was elected to effect change in the system. I believe that Israel and the West's reaction to the election of Hamas; the withdrawal of monetary support, and condemnation of the election, have hurt Israel more then they would like to think. The revoking of essential funds from the Palestinian Authority caused them to seek out alternative forms of support. The first country to offer support was that of Iran, not the country that i believe Israel wants holding the hand of Palestine; a hand out can quickly become a twisted arm. Israel must except the will of the Palestinian people and work with Hamas, however despicable and terroristic they may find them. With legitimacy comes moderation; now that Hamas must represent all of Palestine they cannot be as belligerent and militaristic as in the past. It is their elected duty to find a way for Palestine and Israel to coexist; this or they have failed those who have elected them.
It is in Israel's best interest to work with Hamas; to at least give them a chance to govern their people. Recently an Israeli response to rockets fired from a field in Palestine was to fire rockets back into this field, perfectly acceptable, yet they continued, and fired rockets into the Palestinian Authority's compound. How does this help the Palestinian government control the people who are firing these rockets? I believe that Israel has a right, and a duty, to protect its citizens from this madness. How can the Palestinian Authority control its people if every time they lash out Israel destroys the Authorities power and infrastructure. However terrible it may seem, why not see if the Palestinians maybe want to rid themselves of these terrorists, and get down to business.
Palestine and Hamas deserve a chance to work things out. With the Kadima manifesto's core value of territorial compromise, i believe that a solution is possible. It is in Israel's best interest to work with the Palestinian Authority; if after adequate time they are still unable to control these horrendous attacks then Israel must protect its citizens. Just give it a chance, and try to find a way, however long and difficult the road may be the destination is better then the present place we stand at.
All Information from BBCNews.com, Written by William H. Gammell
Colleges President, Mark D. Gearan is regularly seen and heard out and about on campus. Recently, he added his voice to the airwaves as host of the President’s Radio Series, sponsored by the Current Affairs House (a student residence) and WEOS-FM, the campus radio station. His show features prominent call-in guests from a variety of backgrounds discussing current issues of local, state and national importance. The broadcast is open to the public and is led by student panelists with audience participation.
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