Reality check for Sharon

The 12-7 vote, that is in fact a 12-11 vote if the abstentions are viewed as a negative vote, is too close for comfort for Israel8217;s Pri...

The 12-7 vote, that is in fact a 12-11 vote if the abstentions are viewed as a negative vote, is too close for comfort for Israel8217;s Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Yet, the fact that a majority in Sharon8217;s cabinet voted in favour of a road map for the creation of a Palestinian state marks a historic moment in the Middle East. However, both sides stand too close to the brink and anything can trigger a push over the precipice of mutual distrust yet again. Hence, it is important that both sides act with a sense of urgency and a commitment to their future. For its part Israel, has been far too intransigent and Sharon8217;s party has done little to help.

While the Palestinian leadership has also failed to rise to the occasion in the past, the decision of Hamas, the extremist organisation, to stop sponsored suicide attacks on Israeli civilians is an important step forward. Hamas must stop all terrorist activity. Both sides must pull back and take stock of their combined record of wasted opportunities. For its part, the US must use all its persuasive skills and the enormous clout it has acquired after the Iraq war to push Sharon and his party to the negotiating table and away from the policy of reprisals and denial of human rights to the Palestinians. There are no angels left in the Middle East. Both sides have blood on their hands and both sides have erred in their judgements. The time for reconciliation and realism has come.

The Palestinian people have a right to their homeland and their nation, and to a life of dignity, just as Israelis have a right to live in peace and not in fear of the terrorist. If Israel is not willing to permit the return of Palestinian refugees to their homeland, it must then be willing to concede to the new Palestinian state adequate territory that enables their meaningful re-settlement, including the West Bank and Gaza. True, a UN resolution of 1948 cannot now be invoked with so much blood having flowed for so long. The reality of the situation on the ground must be accepted in crafting a meaningful formula. This would require the spirit of accommodation on Israel8217;s part and the US must deliver a reality check to the Sharon if he will not himself take the initiative to deliver this message to his party constituents.