"The best way to secure Israel's long-term survival is for a complete and permanent withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza and to cede these territories to a legitimately elected Palestinian Authority in control of an internationally recognized sovereign state living in peace, side-by-side with an Israel secure within its own borders and free of terror from its neighbours. This remains true even if you accept that there are terrorists in the Arab world who will never be content unless Israel is driven into the sea."
-Michael Ignatieff

I agree with M.Ignatieff on this. Israel should take bold steps to work with the moderates and the elected government of Abbas which now works only in west Bank after been overthrown by the Hamas in Gaza. An independent Palestine state should come into existence with the support of international community and the sufferings of the people should be addressed by monetary support from Israel, G-8, WB, IMF and the organization of Islamic countries among other groups.

No geographical dispute can be resolved through armed struggle and over five decades of conflict has left a generation living and running in fear. Temporary peace might come through gun power, but sustained peace will come through strong bonding between the citizens of Israel and independent Palestine. Israel is a fast growing economy and needs skilled labour to meet its demand. Palestine has high unemployment and little scope for development after years of war.

This is an excellent example of supply and demand. Economic independence of Palestinians given by Israel will create a bonding beyond wages. It will give a chance for Palestinians to live with self esteem with the help if Israel. Israel fighting terrorists in Palestine stand a lesser chance of winning than Palestinians stopping their own brethren from attacking Israel. Terrorism in the Indian province of Punjab is a good example. There were human rights issues and when the government of India rectified it and empowered the local citizens, they turned their back on the terrorists many of whom fled to US, UK, Canada and other countries. Today, Punjab is one of the most prosperous state in India and Sikhs hold some of the highest positions in India including the Prime Minister and Chief of Army.

Canada has a history of peace keeping, but it does look like we have to live in the glory of our past. As I have said many times in this blog, Canada is uniquely placed to be the world leaders in peace advocacy and armed conflict resolution, but we have chosen not to do so. It is not to blame any political party for it, but to look into the future and create a multi partisan peace advocacy group. Canada has no political, military or major economic interest in the middle east unlike the other current power brokers like US and UK. Our successful functioning federal system is an excellent example of an efficient system for co-existence that can be model to be explored for many regions.

Canada needs a permanent peace advocacy group(Harper can score brownie points if he created a separate ministry for peace advocacy) consisting of politicians, diplomats
and civilian advocates who can influence peace. Canada is blessed with people like Bob Rae, Michael Ignatieff, Alexa McDonald, Lloyd Axworthy, B.Mulroney and many other experts who will make an excellent team along with several diplomats who can put Canada back on the top as global peace makers, a honor we held decades ago and let it slide to countries like Norway, US, Japan.

I am not sure what our chances are of bringing back the Stanley cup to Canada, but It is time to bring back the Noble peace prize back to Canada and we have the right team to do it in Middle East.

-Vijay

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