Regarding David Makovsky's congressional testimony in which he presumed to speak for Palestinian interests, I missed the crucial link! Here it is. And here is the story:
In 2004 Makovsky, the goodnatured scholar who works for the Israel lobby WINEP–and who has lately said that Palestinians' lives would be better if they were screened by "appropriate biometrics" at border crossings–told Congress that Palestinians in the occupied territories would be happy to accept compensation for confiscated lands. Why, Makovsky said, he had spoken to the mayor of Qalqiya about this. From that link:
"It is with deep regret that I learn that David Makovsky of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy implied that I would accept 'compensation' for the impoverishing and destructive effects of Israel's Wall as built around the West Bank town of Qalqilya, the town of which I am Mayor. As I made clear to Mr. Makovsky during his visit that while I would welcome any relief offered to the suffering residents of Qalqilya, such relief would not be necessary if Israel builds its Wall on the border [the Green Line] between what became Israel in 1948 and Occupied Palestinian Territory. I made it very clear to Mr. Makovsky, with the express intent that Mr. Makovsky not misconstrue my statements for his own purposes, that under no conditions would I or the residents of Qalqilya accept or otherwise acquiesce to the construction of the Wall in exchange for compensation. Our property and our human rights are not for sale."
Enough of all these half assed remedies. Jordan needs to bribed into absorbing these folks.
Yoo hoo–SJP where are you? Let's organize a boycott of Jordan until they do the humane thing and absorb their suffering brethren.
This should've been done decades ago! All this needless suffering for nothing.
Qalqilya has a bit of an interesting history because of its continual involvement in terrorism and position near the Green Line, the town was shot up a bit in '67 by Dayan rather independently of actual military necessity and some were pushing for its demolition because of the '49-'67 history of terror, instead, Israel trucked in non-locally-available building materials and rebuilt the town. In Intifada Two, it was a significant source of death and destruction right on Israel's doorstep, although nowhere near the level of Jenin, but the Wall–and given the nature of the terrain, it needs to be a wall to stop sniping–has managed to contain that threat. It is not surprising that the Palestinians are still busy practicing sumud but the development of a significant rocket threat is the next step in their resistance, and one which they have carefully avoided.
To the "Suzannes" of the 'Israel-first' world needs to be asked: 'how would you feel if some neighbouring state came invading yours, then suggested you go and seek refuge among your brethren of say, Illinois?' You'd undoubtedly be over the moon at the prospect of leaving everything behind for the comfort and well-being of the invaders and their newfound lebensraum. Seeing as you're such a sensitive soul, that's clearly how you would feel, no? No, I didn't think so…
As regards the boycott of Jordan, don't sit on your hands. Start community-organising now. It might also keep you and your demented comments off this blog for a while…
To the Gerts of the world. No neighboring state invaded any palestinian state. Try another analogy. Or perhaps another demented comment.
Enough of all these half assed remedies. Miami needs to bribed into absorbing these folks.
@ Chris Berel:
Try another analogy.
The analogy is good, state or no state. Land is land is land is land. 750,000 displaced in Naqba I, 'nuff said. Now these folks are supposed to pack their bags to Jordan? Yeah, Lance is right, why not Miami?
There can be no justification of transfer. And it could only be achieved forcefully (read: bloodbath), no matter what some Zionutzis think (Moshe Feiglin, Lieberman et al and their fascistoid supporters).
What's been going on in I/P cannot possibly continue for another 40 – 60 years, the longer Israel continues what it's doing, the more damage it will sustain in the future. Thank G-d for people like 'Pig Weiss' who can see it clearly…
O/T:
Quote of the week (on the US and Israel's boycott of Durban II):
"The conference preparations have made it clear that Durban II will again almost certainly tainted by anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism," Saperstein said. "We hope that at some point in the near future, a serious international effort will be made to address the plight of those who suffer discrimination."
Pfwoaarrr! So do we Saperstein, so do we…
Since it appears that the conference will once again be devoted to honoring antisemites all over the world, there is no reason for israel to participate or even acknowledge the results. Just another Evian conference with the participants agreeing to allow Arabs to kill Jews with impunity and even applause.
Since it appears that Phil's web site will once again be devoted to honoring antisemites all over the world, there is no reason for chris berel to participate or even acknowledge the results.
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Yet here he is again.