Southwest Asia One of the most volatile and complex issues in today’s world remains the Arab-Israeli conflict. For this week’s discussion, we are going to try to understand the root cause of the conflict and, possibly, seek a way out this conundrum. In order for us to do that we have get the basic facts about the Arab-Israeli conflict. I believe the following website offers information that is concise, objective, and useful: (http://www.guardian.co.uk/flash/0,,720353,00.html ) You may choose to read other sources to educate yourself with history of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Now, imagine that you have the authority to demand an expression of regret from the two sides to this conflict – the Israelis and the Palestinians. What apologies do you think should come from these two peoples? As you know, you cannot demand these parties to apologize for everything. What do you think is the most critical action or attitude on the part of these two people that deepened and intensified the conflict? I am the father of two daughters who are sometimes as antagonistic (although not as violent) as the Palestinians and Israelis. When they get into one of those “I hate you!” shouting matches, I sit them down and ask them to point out what action, coming from each of them, might have caused or triggered the crisis. If you would like to replace the “Palestinians” with the “Arabs,” that is acceptable because, for a long time, the Arab world did support the Palestinian cause and remained antagonistic to the state of Israel. On the other hand, if you would like to put the U.S. and Israel together, that acceptable for this discussion as well. After all, the U.S. is the biggest backer and ally of Israel. As you know, open-mindedness is the basic ingredient of a rewarding discussion. This particular topic, because of its sensitive nature, needs more of it than others.
