As the two-state solution in Palestine/Israel turns increasingly into an illusion, the author proposes yet another version of the one-state solution that has been circulating during the past few years. This proposition has been gaining traction within some Palestinian circles and among a few western dreamers who have rightly come to the conclusion that the two-state solution has been pre-empted by the Zionist settlement enterprise. I believe The New York Times published the article out of recognition that the two-state solution is dying, and that a solution based on a unitary state is a possible alternative. Noble as the idea of a democratic state where Palestinians and Israelis live as equals may be, it is bound to face formidable hurdles mainly because the balance of power tilts against it. Naturally, Israelis and their worldwide supporters have not come so far in the implementation of the Zionist dream/Palestnian nightmare in the whole of Palestine to have it come crashing down by the proposition of one state for Israelis and Palestinians. They will be united in fighting it with all the power they can muster both in the region and globally. I doubt if one can find many Israelis, even among the most liberal on the left who would support the one state solution. If one goes through the comments of readers of the article, one will discern the overwhelming opposition of Israelis and other jews to the idea. Palestinians on the other hand may fall into the trap of adopting this idea, just like they adopted the two state solution before it, armed only with the notion of justice but without backing it with the elements of power required to make it a serious proposition. The call for justice on its own becomes a mere mantra, a slogan that provides false hopes to idle dreamers. And yet, the powerful never seem to learn the lessons of the past. Israel has yet to learn that its best options have always been to seize the moment and accept genuine compromise while it is ahead. History goes in cycles: empires and powerful nations grow old and weak and are replaced by others. Israel will be no exception. There will come a time when Israel will have to face a not so pleasing configuration of power around it, hence would have to swallow the bitter pill and seek compromises that may then escape it. The same compromises it now dismisses with impunity.
Posted on: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 12:20:22 +0000
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