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Palestine
Emerging States & Claims to Autonomy and Independence
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Emerging States & Claims to Autonomy and Independence | Israel, Palestine and the Occupied Territories
One-State Solution for Palestinians and Israelis (May 30, 2008)
This article strongly encourages policymakers to shift from a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to a one-state model. According to the author, a two-state solution will fail because it only benefits Israeli interests while ignoring the Palestinian dispossession since 1948, which has prevented families to return home. He pleads for a unitary model to end the relationship of dominance and oppression, resulting in equity over resources, justice, dignity and stability. (Christian Science Monitor)Disengagement and the Politics of Post-National Realism (August 17, 2005)
The Gaza disengagement is a "smokescreen" for freezing the peace process, and the two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict will intensify instead of pacify racial injustice, contends ZNet. Additionally, the author says Palestinian right of return must include authority over laws and allow for Palestinian cultural identity to flourish. This "fundamental change in the political orientation" of the Palestinian solidarity movement, aligning it more with the successful South African anti-apartheid movement, may be "the only viable alternative to either the cultural death of the Palestinian people or a repeat of the catastrophe that befell them in the war of 1948."Palestine Voting: For the Sake of Democracy, Include the Diaspora (November 22, 2004)
With approaching presidential elections in Palestine, Christian Science Monitor supports the idea of granting voting rights to the nearly four million Palestinians in exile. If allowed to vote the diaspora would play a key role in affecting Palestine's internal structures and future leadership.Two Peoples, One State (October 4, 2004)
This op-ed piece states that the "independence" Israel is offering Palestinians amounts to nothing more than "a reservation stripped of water and arable soil, economically dependent on Israel and even lacking the right to self-defense." Faced with such "independence," the author argues for a one-state solution based on equality and citizenship, claiming that Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories already function as a de facto state, albeit an "apartheid" one. (New York Times)The Challenge to the Two-State Solution (Summer 2004)
This article provides an overview of recent public debate about the viability of a "two-state solution" to the Israel/Palestine conflict. It discusses alternatives such as binationalism and undemocratic arrangements, and touches on issues like Israeli settlement expansion, the "separation fence" and demography. The author concludes that the two-state option is "far from being the inevitable solution to the conflict." (Middle East Report)Which Kind of Binational State? (November 20, 2003)
This Haaretz article views the creation of an binational Israeli/ Palestinian state as inevitable. Looking at different binational state models, such as Nothern Ireland, Bosnia and South Africa the author argues that it is only a question of which model to chose. (Haaretz)Between Two Homes and Two Peoples, a Soldier Wanders (November 9, 2003)
This New York Times article illustrates the problems of one Israeli- Palestinian family caught between two worlds since the 1970s. The article shows the conflict's physiological and emotional impact on this family.Sharon: I'll Solve the Palestinian Problem in Four Years (July 13, 2003)
According to the Observer, "an odd, truncated form of statehood" awaits Palestinians as the final goal of a conflict-plagued road map to peace. In a rare interview, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon elaborates on this controversial definition of Palestinian statehood.Road Map to Perpetuating the Status Quo (June 19, 2003)
The Road Map seeks a solution for Palestine and Israel based on "the connection between territory and ethnic identity." It ultimately establishes a completely new sort of state where "sovereignty will be scattered." (Ha'aretz)Israelis and Palestinians Sign up to America's Road-Map (June 5, 2003)
By the initiative of President Bush the Israeli and Palestinian Prime Ministers, Ariel Sharon and Abu Mazen committed to implement the "road-map peace plan that calls for an independent Palestinian state by 2005." Despite the hope behind this agreement the settlement of the conflict remains evasive. (Independent)Palestinians 'Sink Into Extreme Poverty' (January 29, 2003)
A report by the charity organization Christian Aid says Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are living in extreme poverty, as Israeli soldiers bulldoze over olive and citrus groves and curfews prohibit trade between villages. The report blames the Israeli military occupation for the crisis, as well as decades of unjust treatment of Palestinians. (BBC)Declaration of the State of Palestine May End Violence (June 18, 2002)
The declaration of a formal state will make Palestinian people more responsible. After obtaining statehood Palestinians will have more clearly defined obligations towards Israel. Decreased Palestinian frustration will enhance Israel's security and speed-up the peace process. (Daily Star)State Department, White House at Odds over Palestinian State (June 13, 2002)
US Secretary of State Colin Powell suggested that the establishment of an interim democratic Palestinian state could ease tensions and raise the confidence of the international community. The White House immediately distanced itself from such an "anti-Israeli" proposal. (Dawn)Palestine Should Get UN Membership Now (May 19, 2002)
President Bush's "vision" of a Palestinian state has created a window of opportunity for Palestine to apply for UN membership. The unlikelihood of the US vetoing Palestinian UN membership could end the current deadlock in the Israel/Palestine peace process. (Gulf News)Arafat Calls for Vote, Will Revamp Cabinet Leader Agrees to Actions in Face of Mounting Pressure for Change (May 17, 2002)
Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat succumbed to domestic and international pressure and announced parliamentary and presidential elections for early 2003. The Palestinian Legislative Council demanded reduction of the Authority and overhaul of its security services. (Los Angeles Times)Palestinians Rally to Mark Statehood Declaration (November 14, 2001)
September 11 crisis emphasizes the needs for a Palestinian State as a condition for peace in the Middle East. (Christian Science Monitor)Palestinian Statehood? (June 25, 2000)
"Palestine is ours, ours, ours!" exclaimed Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in a speech to an excited crowd gathered at the West Bank. Arafat, known for his exciting and mobilizing rhetoric, challenges Israel with his resolve. Arafat unilaterally claims Jerusalem will be the capital of the new Palestinian state.Palestinians About to Get an Area Code of Their Own (January 23, 1999)
A potent modern symbol of self-determination, in the world's phone books.
