In wake of the barbaric terrorists attack on the World Trade Center building,
it is important for us to remind Washington that the causes of Middle East
terrorism are mainly the result of the unresolved Arab-Israeli conflict. Any
dealings with Middle East terrorism policy, Washington should shed light and
seriously consider the following proposed solutions for other closely related
problems. In our views, these are the interconnected causes, foundations,
realities, conditions, the backbone and the master keys for an "acceptable"
everlasting peace and security in the Middle East:
1. The Arab-Israeli mutual recognition in accordance with:
A- Israelis 1948 borders rights to survive and to live in peace, freedom,
security and sovereignty. B- Palestinians' rights for statehood. An
independent Palestinian sovereign state.
2. The internationalization of the Holy City of Jerusalem or any agreement
agreed upon between Arabs (Palestinians) and Israelis. We view Jerusalem as
the Headquarters of God. No political identity has the right over its
sovereignty. The Holy City of all God believers, Jews, Christians, and
Muslims. Jerusalem is the eternal capital of humanity and peace.
3. The Israeli withdrawal from 1967 occupied Arab lands, including the Golan
Heights and Southern Lebanon.
4. The removal of all Jewish settlements from the 1967 Israeli occupation of
Arab lands.
5. To lift the unjustified UN. Imposed sanctions on Iraq. The innocent people
and children of Iraq are suffering as a result of these sanctions. Iraqis
should immediately be freed. We suggest an Iraqi-American face-to-face talks
would be the only channel to avoid wars and to reach some kind of
understanding. The wisdom of late King Housing's idea of a direct US-Iraqi
dialogue should be seriously considered .
6. An end to the arms race in the Middle East. This requires eliminating all
nuclear and chemical arsenals in the region, both Israelis, Arabs, Iranians,
etc. Assuring a comprehensive ban on chemical and nuclear tests; controlling
military activities in the Middle East. In the meantime, the US should
propose and enforce mutual weapons reductions, and a ceiling on the number
and quality of conventional weapons. Constraints should also be imposed on
the modernization of some strategic weapons. This arms reduction must be fair
to both sides, be adequately verifiable, and lead to mutual security. It is
important to remember that experts determined "that Israel had (have) the
world's sixth-largest stockpile of nuclear weapons."
7. The withdrawal of American and British troops from the Arab Gulf states.
There are many other channels, beside our military presence (occupation), to
maintain and secure our vital oil interest in the region without the
provocation of Muslims and Arab nationalists legitimate concerns and views of
sovereignty and independence.
8. The support of democracy and Human rights forces in the Middle East. This
is the age of technology and massive communications. This is the age of
democracy and human rights. This is the age of the beginning of peoples'
political power. This is the age of the end of dictatorships and the rule of
the "elite" minority over the wishes of the majority. This the age where
governments follow the people, not the other way around.
9. We should always remember the fact that Israel is not the United States.
Israel might be enjoying a very distinguished advantages over its very
special friendship relations with the US due to the existence of a very
powerful Zionist lobby in Washington. But, the fact remains the same that
Israel is still a foreign country in our eyes as proud Americans. No country
can be trusted (including Israel) with our sensitive classified information
(Jonathan Pollard's case). We cant follow Israel's "nonsense" wishes,
expansionist aspirations, and greedy ambitions. Such Israeli "spoiled"
behavior is threatening the US national security and interests in this vital
region. Israel cannot survive without the US "Congress's generosity " in
economic and military foreign aids." Based on these unshakable facts, the US
should be able to design a "fair road' for the Israelis to take, a road to be
built on the human principles of our great American Revolution. A road where
her 1948 border are guaranteed, secured and recognized. Israel should follow
the sense of logic in dealing with the Palestinians.
Israelis expansionist and careless spoiled behaviour is damaging the US
national interest in the region and the long term views and the perception of
Israeli national security. The Israelis have to understand that they need the
Arabs, not otherwise!
Unlike other presidents, who succumbed under the influence of invisible
foreign lobbyists, and who failed to pressure for a just peaceful solution,
an American evenhanded policy is needed as a solid base to counter these
serious causes of terrorism. Certainly, we don't want to see our president's
office to become a rubber stamp in the hands of foreign lobbyists.
A distinguished patriotic American columnist angrily described the US
president's office as "The office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Israel."
However, we salute, President George W. Bush's most recent public statement
(October 2, 2001) in support of the possibility of the establishment of an
independent Palestinian State. This is a unique and brilliant needed move by
President Bush. It is the right step on the right direction of hope. No. I
can see a little light at the end of the gloomy and dark Palestinian-Israeli
conflict tunnel.
The President needs a personal courage to confront the enemies of peace
'whatever' the cost might be. Peace is to be built on Palestinians-Israelis
equality, human justice and mutual interests for both the Israelis and the
Palestinians.
We have to be careful and remember that an escalation of any military
confrontation to confront terrorism might lead us to more terrorists or to
have uncontrolled situation to degenerate into a bloody conflict between the
West and Islam. But, as one friend said:" it is about time that we treat the
disease and not just the symptoms!"
The despaired Middle East people still have a little hope of the unknown
ambiguous future. They need Americans' help. America should give a serious
attention to both sides of the Arab-Israeli equation. Remember that there is
no one "God chosen" people We all are wonderful people chosen by One God, the
same One God, the God of Moses, Jesus and Mohammed (God bless).
Finally, let us all enjoy the fruits of peace and security, under the sky of
our lovely holy lands. There will be no peace and security where political
freedom and human justice don't exist !
Peace is Patriotic !
* Dr. Shurdom is the executive director of the Middle East Consultations &
Research Analysis-MECRA. The chief editor of MECRA International Journal.
Orlando, Florida-1987-present. The Chief editor of MECRA International
Journal. An expert in international affairs, terrorism, national security,
strategic studies and American Federal Government. An adjunct professor of
politics and international law.