The biggest problem is reason is not part of the equation when it come to a pending or
out and out conflict. Reason goes out the window, and emotion takes over and that is
not objective at all. First of all, there is no easy solution because on all sides there is
no trust. Without trust step two is impossible and only actions over time establish that
key word Trust.
We need to have a West Bank State, for the Palestinians and somehow we have to
police it, to make sure that those radicals on all sides don't gain control of the state and
send everything back to step one. The area of the Middle East needs meaningful jobs
and education that is how a middle class can emerge and with it hopefully the concept
of listening to tribal witch doctors will ease somewhat. (yes that was over the top) and
meant to be. Unless we can bring the Arab world into the twenty first century progress
cannot be made. These people are content to live in the dark ages because they have
not had the opportunity to see the light as a broad spectrum of the population.
Enter the Canadian approach, that is a mystery in and of itself, we assume there is a
civilization that is modern and that is not in keeping with the facts of life here. We do not
understand the concept that a country would live in tribal relationships when they could
adopt a societal approach. The one thing we have going for us is we are polite and we
have patients to develop change over a period of time. I don't hate the Arabs or the
Muslims within it, in fact I feel sorry for them. They have not behaved in a manner that the
world accepts and their reputation is self smeared, by their actions and their statements.
On the other hand the Israelis, assume they can simply do what ever they please and the
world should side with them. Israel has to understand the Palestinians have as much right
to exist as they do, and everyone has to work toward a better future and not pay lip service
to change.
Canada has still got the reputation for being fair on the world stage whether it is true or not.
In that spirit we should be promoting peace and express a willingness to support the efforts
of all those who are looking for solutions. While some believe we have hurt our reputation in
the Arab World, I do not agree. The fact is Canadians have demonstrated they do not cut and
run, and they are a force to be reckoned with in the theatre of war. Arabs, respect this
position, we can be fair and tough at the same time. Canada is in the position to play a real
constructive role in shaping the future of the Middle East. The problem is no one on either side
can get past step one the issue of trust. Both have behaved in a manner that does not lead to
trust and there in lies the problem.
