Rethinking the Two-State Solution

[Phx_Dem]

As the Bush administration draws to a close, various parties are looking to capitalize on the momentum generated by last year's Annapolis summit and renew final-status negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Yet, although the need to resolve the conflict is clear, some have argued that neither side actually desires the current solution, at least as it has been traditionally formulated since the height of the peace process in 2000. Under these circumstances, it is important to explore other possibilities rather than insisting on a concept that has failed at least four times in the past seven decades.

In this Policy Focus, Maj. Gen. Giora Eiland, former head of the Israeli National Security Council, illustrates how the conventional two-state approach is doomed to fall apart under the cumulative weight of the compromises that it would require from both sides. Even apart from the difficulty of resolving the core issues, new problems such as Hamas's ascendancy have rendered the old model moot. Rather than maintaining a destructive status quo that hurts the Palestinians more than anyone, General Eiland offers two new proposals -- a "Jordanian option" and a "regional solution" -- that could help bypass the growing political and security obstacles that have impeded peacemaking for so many years.

http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC04.php?CID=299

[Vegasaurus]

1. There are some bold ideas in this rather long treatise

and it is worth reading.

The author has it correct that the possibility of a two state solution is unlikely, because there is too much distrust and little political will on either side. Four good attempts at peace never achieved a solution, and that was before militant Hamas (sworn to Israel's destruction and refusing to negotiate with the "Zionist entity") was the government of Gaza.

Two states are likely impossible now, particularly with looming civil war between Hamas and Fatah.

He also, correctly states, that the Israelis can deal with the status quo for a long time.

Although the Israelis might suffer more international criticism, in the long run, the Palestinians will continue to suffer significantly more.

I don't think the Jordanians will buy into these recommendations, but there are some strong ideas.

At least it is out there, that the two state solution isn't likely to come to fruition, and it;s time for something new, which is not the bloodbath of a single state.

If not two states, or compromise, the situation in I/P can sadly continue in status quo for a good while longer.

[azurnoir]

2. Your endorsement speaks volumes

Anyone on this board knows how you wish only the best for Palestinians

there is nothing bold or really new here, the Palestinians get nothing but more of the same shit and the Likudniks get their wet dream with the additional treat of a Palestinian civil war, keep everything worth keeping with additional promise retaking Gaza at some point in the future. I have Israeli NG reserves may soon run out. Continuing the status would be better.

[Phx_Dem]

4. Did you read the "regional solution"?

Seems like new, creative ideas that could help bring about a two-state solution.

[Vegasaurus]

5. Israel isn't responsible for the civil war between Hamas and Fatah

if they can't find unity it is their own damn fault.

Time for the Palestinians to stop blaming other people and take some responsibility. Their lives will never improve until they do.

[azurnoir]

6. Yes sir Israel has encouraged that unity hasn't it

Especially when Olmert said that Israel would only "allow" a Palestinian State or keep to agreements it had already made after Fatah took Gaza back from Hamas, but gee I guess that is not encouraging a civil war is it?

[LeftishBrit]

3. IMO the only solution that will ever work *is* a two-state solution...

It will be difficult. Very difficult. But all other solutions will be impossible, or will result in long-term war and violent injustices to one or both sides.

As regards a 'Jordanian option' - if there were going to be one, it would have happened long ago. J/P (Jordan/Palestine) relations haven't really been notably better most of the time than I/P relations, even if this gets less publicity.