The Middle East Peace Process and the Threat to Peace

When we talk about the Middle East, we talk about the Arab states, Palestinians, the Gaza strip, oil and most specially Israel. The history of the Middle East dates back in Ancient times when various religions such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism were first founded. But perhaps the most famous and most significant event worth mentioning is the continued conflict between Israel, the Arab league and several neighboring states as well. With Palestinians trying to claim back their land (Israel), it is certainly a very complicated task to settle both parties.

The 2008-2009 Gaza war is a perfect example on how unstable and unpredictable the situation is in the Middle East. The Hamas and other Palestinian groups used the Gaza strip to fire thousands of rockets aiming at hitting the cities in Israel and inflicting significant amount of damage and casualties. Because of the danger it imposed to its people, Israel immediately staged a massive invasion aiming at capturing Gaza and preventing any further missile attacks to Israel. There was widespread bloodbath with over 1000 civilians losing their lives and over 5000 getting wounded. The Arab states strongly condemned Israel and even tagged the event as the Gaza Massacre.

And just recently, yet another conflict has erupted with the Israeli armed forces attacking the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. The flotilla explained that they wanted to deliver precious supplies of food and other essential materials to the people of Gaza. The raid claimed the lives of 8 Turkish and 1 Turkish-American passengers. After the event, Israel faced widespread criticisms for violating international law as it resulted in the loss of lives. This event has also deteriorated the Turkish and Israel relations as Turkish citizens lost their lives during the raid.

There is also a growing pressure to the United States to take a stand in preventing any further conflict and maintain the Middle East peace process. As a close ally of Israel but also has growing relations with some Arab states, the U.S. is torn in preserving its foreign relations with these countries that is why it is being very careful with its decisions especially if it will affect the other.

American writer George Will argued that the greatest threat to peace in the Middle East is the peace process. The fact that the Palestinians deny the very existence of Israel is already a proper indication that there will always be conflict as long as Israel is around. The peace process has been going around for decades now without gaining any significant results.

Some US Politicians are Putting Stain into American Conscience

Politics is such a huge driving force for every country. It is what carries and what influences the different views for every country. It also shapes the image of every country to the international society. Politicians are powerful enough to make some changes for the good of everybody. Sadly, there are politicians who are quite over the driver seat and going overboard. These politicians are those who are not doing their job right and are making such unacceptable acts instead.

Senator Charles Schume, a member of the US Congress, is a known advocate in pushing for tougher economic sanctions and "economically strangling" the people of Gaza. He believes that Palestinians should suffer their worst fate because they are ruled by Hamas. He even fired several offensive remarks against Palestinians stating that they don’t believe in the Torah or the king of David. It is an evident attack on religion and race. What is more alarming is his extremist view on Gaza indicating that they should be punished at all cost. Is that an ideal and a morally-accepted principle coming out from the mouth of a member of the US congress?

Congressman Brad Sherman, also a member of the US Congress, wanted to prosecute all the humanitarian activists involved in the Israel Flotilla incident. As far as we know it, those activists where just expressing their sentiments and were actually non-violent in nature. Why would he even think to punish persons who only wanted to provide a peaceful means of resistance and deliver what is good for all the people. Does this congressman even have care for humanitarian relief and promoting the welfare of the people?

We should open our eyes to the truth that we have lost our conscience and our respect for morality. The recent attack on the Israel Flotilla was condemned by all countries except the US and Israel. US will most likely misrepresent or cover up this incident to move on. When will we be starting giving respect to justice and when will start clearing the American conscience? We must all start by electing good leaders who will uphold and care for people’s rights and people’s freedom. We should all be active in condemning these politicians who are just destroying the very image of America. Let us strive hard and end the hypocrisy that has caused humiliation to all of us.