Empirical historical evidence combined with a little common-sense are enough to tell us the type of future options that Israel has in store for the Palestinian people: perpetual Apartheid or ethnic cleansing, or a mix of both.
President Donald Trump has made it clear that his presidency will have a position on everything everywhere. He has also made it clear that he alone will make the final decision on the policy his government will follow. He has chosen two priority areas in implementing his policies: Mexico and Syria/Iraq, which is the zone of strength for the caliphate of the Islamic State.
The ill-considered ban on Muslim refugees and visa applicants set in motion by President Trump had an “escape clause” concerning non-Muslim minorities who were being persecuted. Only Christians were mentioned, but the Middle East has a host of religious groups with a long history.
What is really left to be negotiated, when Israel has doubled its illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem? When Gaza has been under lock and key for over 10 years, suffering from war, polluted water and malnourishment?
There is no doubt that the UN Security Council condemnation of Israel on Friday, December 23, was an important and noteworthy event. The resolution is a further affirmation that the international community is unconditionally on the side of Palestinians and, despite all the failures of the past, still advocates the respect of international law.
A week has passed since my arrival in Iraq. Once again we come desiring to strengthen the bonds of human friendship, bonds which threaten to break as the opportunities to visit each other become less and less possible.
Copyright Toward Freedom 2019