It is everywhere on the news that we hear of new peace initiative and then they fade as quickly as they come, whether or not they have been widely accepted or endorsed. From Three state solutions to two states, one state and Zero state solution. They come and go like the people that wrote them and those who endorse them will soon forget what they endorse in their search for a new proposal to endorse next.
The only problem is, those affected by the ever lasting lack of peace are endeavouring this mirage of hope that is unattainable yet keeps popping in front of your visor as you continue to fight the everlasting battle to peace and security asking yourself: when will all this end?
Going back to old proposals and initiatives seems like trying to rekindle ashes that has been put out and left to the wind. However, two peace initiatives that really stand out with promising prospects; the Israeli Peace Initiative 2011 and the Arab Peace Initiative 2002. Both with so many similarities and taking into account the Geneva Accord. However, both were endorsed and like their formers were left to the elements. However, for those who have read both sees that they have great potential to reach peace and happily ever after (at least in the middle east). Both also show signs of modest and open minded to changes and accommodation of views (The Arab Peace Initiative was amended on several occasions to incorporate views put forth by Israeli concerned parties), the IPI is also showing prospect of accommodation and leniency to compensate for peace.
To reach a peaceful outcome and a resolution to the ever lasting war in the middle east, it is vital that we start with a level ground. With that said, there is no better level ground than a middle ground created by those two Initiatives that we mentioned earlier, the Arab and Israeli initiatives. If we can take both those proposals and strip them to the bare minimum for peace to move we would have a skeleton of the plan to move ahead. This would create the basis upon which everything else can be customised to fit like a lego blocks. The bare minimum for both parties, the Israelis and Palestinians are two states for both their people where they can live in peace and determine their future. Then we move one block at a time, taking both concerns of each Initiative as we head on to reach another level ground that can be placed atop the base to create a new base where another block can be fit. For instance, the second block will most probably be the land upon which both states will need to have their borders. Both Initiatives talk about the 1967 lines with concessions and exchanges allowed. This would serve the most crucial stage as talks will soon drift to settlements, right of return and holy city. As we stated that everything need to be left for its own block since so many variables will create a never ending cycle. Therefore, the lands will be based solely on the 1967 lines with future concession made with future blocks discussed. Once the dialogue moves to the block of people where settlement and refugees come into the picture, both parties need to understand that the two emerging state will have multinational, multicultural and multifaith citizens at first, as time is given for each citizen to determine where he/she wants to permanently reside, Israel or Palestine. Dual citizenship will be available to all citizens on either side, with each having equivalent rights as any other citizen of those two states. Any conflict can be resolved by temporary dual citizenship for individuals to relocate as they see fit. Jordan and Egypt will also play a huge role in this PIPI to control, regulate and train the new state of Palestine. They would also serve as major advocates of the plan and help to alienate any concern regarding humanitarian treatments and civil rights.
One block at a time, a peace initiative that can serve all will be formalised, however, then comes the dread of the looming inevitable final outcome that use to haunt, daunt and finally kill every initiative before the current one, the DUST. Dust that will accumulate as the initiative will be left behind and forgotten by the same people that have formulated it. Thus a mechanism has to be put in place to ensure that this wheel will keep turning, that this wheel will see the light of day, that this proposal will actually make a difference, change, actions and peace. Change and change resistance is something that need to be overcome and which is always neglected by all peace initiatives that has been formulated. Therefore, for a peace initiative to be adopted and acted upon, participation will need to be encouraged with deadlines for each of the blocks put on top of the base block. With each block deadline occurring, we move closer to the final dream which will soon bring upon countless new challenges and obstacles to overcome, but such is the process of bringing peace after 100 years of conflict. With every block challenges will arise that need to be overcome, from full withdrawal of Israeli forces to Hamas submission to the new peace plan.
When dealing with the holy city, there was so many talks as to how to deal with such a site of great importance to both faiths. One idea is to keep the holy city as an international city, much like rome is, with its own governing body and protected by its neighbors. This idea though widely recognised is hard to implement with both parties involved need to secure their own rights to access and practice their faiths in the holy city. Another opinion expressed in the IPI is that west Jerusalem will be an Israeli controlled capital of Israel, while east Jerusalem will be a city with international laws. This idea though will grant both parties access to the holy city seems to not be a just in international laws; giving one military presence while the other has no presence means that the whole city is under the control of the only military presence in the holy city. Therefore, in order for us to solve this, someone need to look for a different perspective.
The Holy City need to be accessed by both parties, however each party are concerned on the safety of its citizens in the Holy City. Therefore, a committee can be formed, by both countries, each country has number of seats equal to the other country's seats. This committee will be the steering committee and the government of the Holy City, providing access to the holy city for all and security of the holy city residents and visitors. This would entail checkpoints to make the Holy City weapons free and grants Holiness to the most holy place. Thus police is dependent and is only concerned with the security and safety of resident and visitors of the Holy City. Both states are assured degree of control on the holy city and freedom of practice. The city therefore, cannot be a capital of any state since it is a holy place and cannot be turned into a city with consulates and embassies that will flood the city as each country will have two embassies in a diameter of less than 50 KM. Therefore, the Holy City cannot be a capital of any state to preserve its buildings and surroundings and quiet and seldom to those visiting the place to practice and worship.
This is of course a dream that I wish to see come true. A wish that I hope will lead the readers to agree. A hope that I pray will always be there to drive us to peace.
Please comment below about what you think is the solution to Middle East Peace, I would love to hear from my readers.
The only problem is, those affected by the ever lasting lack of peace are endeavouring this mirage of hope that is unattainable yet keeps popping in front of your visor as you continue to fight the everlasting battle to peace and security asking yourself: when will all this end?
Going back to old proposals and initiatives seems like trying to rekindle ashes that has been put out and left to the wind. However, two peace initiatives that really stand out with promising prospects; the Israeli Peace Initiative 2011 and the Arab Peace Initiative 2002. Both with so many similarities and taking into account the Geneva Accord. However, both were endorsed and like their formers were left to the elements. However, for those who have read both sees that they have great potential to reach peace and happily ever after (at least in the middle east). Both also show signs of modest and open minded to changes and accommodation of views (The Arab Peace Initiative was amended on several occasions to incorporate views put forth by Israeli concerned parties), the IPI is also showing prospect of accommodation and leniency to compensate for peace.
To reach a peaceful outcome and a resolution to the ever lasting war in the middle east, it is vital that we start with a level ground. With that said, there is no better level ground than a middle ground created by those two Initiatives that we mentioned earlier, the Arab and Israeli initiatives. If we can take both those proposals and strip them to the bare minimum for peace to move we would have a skeleton of the plan to move ahead. This would create the basis upon which everything else can be customised to fit like a lego blocks. The bare minimum for both parties, the Israelis and Palestinians are two states for both their people where they can live in peace and determine their future. Then we move one block at a time, taking both concerns of each Initiative as we head on to reach another level ground that can be placed atop the base to create a new base where another block can be fit. For instance, the second block will most probably be the land upon which both states will need to have their borders. Both Initiatives talk about the 1967 lines with concessions and exchanges allowed. This would serve the most crucial stage as talks will soon drift to settlements, right of return and holy city. As we stated that everything need to be left for its own block since so many variables will create a never ending cycle. Therefore, the lands will be based solely on the 1967 lines with future concession made with future blocks discussed. Once the dialogue moves to the block of people where settlement and refugees come into the picture, both parties need to understand that the two emerging state will have multinational, multicultural and multifaith citizens at first, as time is given for each citizen to determine where he/she wants to permanently reside, Israel or Palestine. Dual citizenship will be available to all citizens on either side, with each having equivalent rights as any other citizen of those two states. Any conflict can be resolved by temporary dual citizenship for individuals to relocate as they see fit. Jordan and Egypt will also play a huge role in this PIPI to control, regulate and train the new state of Palestine. They would also serve as major advocates of the plan and help to alienate any concern regarding humanitarian treatments and civil rights.
One block at a time, a peace initiative that can serve all will be formalised, however, then comes the dread of the looming inevitable final outcome that use to haunt, daunt and finally kill every initiative before the current one, the DUST. Dust that will accumulate as the initiative will be left behind and forgotten by the same people that have formulated it. Thus a mechanism has to be put in place to ensure that this wheel will keep turning, that this wheel will see the light of day, that this proposal will actually make a difference, change, actions and peace. Change and change resistance is something that need to be overcome and which is always neglected by all peace initiatives that has been formulated. Therefore, for a peace initiative to be adopted and acted upon, participation will need to be encouraged with deadlines for each of the blocks put on top of the base block. With each block deadline occurring, we move closer to the final dream which will soon bring upon countless new challenges and obstacles to overcome, but such is the process of bringing peace after 100 years of conflict. With every block challenges will arise that need to be overcome, from full withdrawal of Israeli forces to Hamas submission to the new peace plan.
When dealing with the holy city, there was so many talks as to how to deal with such a site of great importance to both faiths. One idea is to keep the holy city as an international city, much like rome is, with its own governing body and protected by its neighbors. This idea though widely recognised is hard to implement with both parties involved need to secure their own rights to access and practice their faiths in the holy city. Another opinion expressed in the IPI is that west Jerusalem will be an Israeli controlled capital of Israel, while east Jerusalem will be a city with international laws. This idea though will grant both parties access to the holy city seems to not be a just in international laws; giving one military presence while the other has no presence means that the whole city is under the control of the only military presence in the holy city. Therefore, in order for us to solve this, someone need to look for a different perspective.
The Holy City need to be accessed by both parties, however each party are concerned on the safety of its citizens in the Holy City. Therefore, a committee can be formed, by both countries, each country has number of seats equal to the other country's seats. This committee will be the steering committee and the government of the Holy City, providing access to the holy city for all and security of the holy city residents and visitors. This would entail checkpoints to make the Holy City weapons free and grants Holiness to the most holy place. Thus police is dependent and is only concerned with the security and safety of resident and visitors of the Holy City. Both states are assured degree of control on the holy city and freedom of practice. The city therefore, cannot be a capital of any state since it is a holy place and cannot be turned into a city with consulates and embassies that will flood the city as each country will have two embassies in a diameter of less than 50 KM. Therefore, the Holy City cannot be a capital of any state to preserve its buildings and surroundings and quiet and seldom to those visiting the place to practice and worship.
This is of course a dream that I wish to see come true. A wish that I hope will lead the readers to agree. A hope that I pray will always be there to drive us to peace.
Please comment below about what you think is the solution to Middle East Peace, I would love to hear from my readers.
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