|
|
May 7, 2004
Is peace only a dream?
Idea of Jordan as the Palestine state is on agenda.
CARL ALPERT SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN
Terror and violence still dominate relations between Jews and Palestinians
in the Middle East, but solutions, no matter how improbable they
may seem, are still lurking.
The idea that Jordan, today ruled by a Hashemite dynasty, be recognized
as the Palestinian state has once again been placed on the agenda.
Israel's distinguished intellectual journal on politics and the
arts, Nativ, devotes more than a dozen pages in its latest
issue to a frank discussion of the subject, with advocates and critics
airing their views.
The idea has been proposed for many years, but has never received
serious consideration. Benny Elon, a rightist leader and Minister
of Tourism in the Sharon cabinet, renews the discussion in Nativ.
As point of departure, he acknowledges that the limited Palestine
state now proposed to be established in parts of the West Bank can
never be a solution. Geographically, its areas are not contiguous.
Economically, it has no grounds for existence and will require constant
financial aid. It will be a perpetual welfare state. The result
will be a hotbed of continued dissatisfaction and terrorism. Another
solution must be found.
Jordan is, in effect, already a Palestinian state in all but name.
A majority of its population are Palestinians. Because of its size
and potential, advocates of the plan say it provides a logical and
feasible answer to the problem of absorption of the Palestinian
refugees. Critics reply that despite its size, it does not have
the necessary resources.
Jordan and Israel, which have a peace treaty, share a long, common
border and have been able to maintain peace and quiet on that border.
But how quiet would that border be if the Palestinian state should
choose hostility?
Israel is ready and willing to co-operate in an economic relationship
to the mutual advantage of both countries. While the West Bank in
its entirety would be absorbed by Israel, the Palestinians living
there could, if they wished, elect to become citizens of the Palestinian
state and vote in its elections, though they reside on the other
side of the Jordan River, under the Israeli flag.
Undoubtedly, a long period of education would be required to change
the present mood and approach of the Arabs. Can a new, enlightened
Arab leadership emerge that will be able to convince its people
of the desirability of the program? With such leadership, international
support could be counted on.
The whole idea may be sound, say some critics, but the atmosphere
is not conducive. Since 1948, the Arabs have turned down every proposal
for a peaceful understanding with Israel, always turning to terror
and violence. Possibly the ideal may be achieved only after an open,
outright war that will prove decisive, and leave the Arabs with
no alternative.
Obviously, there would be many problems to overcome in the period
leading up to fulfilment of the goal. Will there be open co-operation
from the Hashemite dynasty that is today dominant in Jordan? A previous
attempt by the Palestinians to stage a revolt in Jordan was put
down with a strong and bloody hand. Yet the Palestinian majority
in the country continues to grow. A confrontation seems inevitable.
Historically, the recognition of a Jewish state and a Palestinian
state alongside each other would be fulfilment of a partition of
the original area long known as Palestine. While Israel would be
located along the coast, by far, the larger area would be under
Palestinian sovereignty. There was once serious talk of an agreement
between Israel and Jordan granting the latter access to the sea
at Haifa.
The present situation cannot continue. Israelis must realize that
millions of Palestinians do exist. They are not going to vanish.
They have national aspirations, parallel to those of the Jews. At
the same time, the Arabs must give up their frequently repeated
goal of destroying Israel, and must reach a peaceful agreement for
mutual co-existence. A movement of Arab moderates must convince
their people that violence will not bring peace. Can that be expected?
Israelis, too, must not yield to their own extremists.
Is all this beyond reach? Can the vision of two states, Israel and
Palestine, located alongside each other in peace and friendship,
yet be realized? Is it a dream? Can one expect that a new generation
of peace-loving Arabs will arise who will be good neighbors? Should
we recall what Herzl said: "If you will it, it is no dream"?
Alas, there are no indications that our proposed neighbors are willing.
Carl Alpert is a freelance writer living in Haifa.
^TOP
|
|
