There's More To It

Submitted by Barry Black (United States), May 20, 2011 at 16:01

Dr. Pipes appears to be a bit over-wrought about BHO's "Arab Spring" speech when in actuality it's just another typical speech on a very familiar subject. BHO did nothing more than other US presidents in asking that the 1967 borders be used as the basis for renewed negotiations. We all know well that Dr. Pipes ascribes to the doctrine of "Eretz Yisroel" and has been trying since Ben-Gurion jumped the gun on statehood to move the border a little further east to a natural boundary as the Jordan River. But nonetheless the 1967 borders remain as a starting point for talks though I'll admit the mention of the 1967 border is political fodder for the PA. What Dr. Pipes didn't mention are two items that BHO stated that Israel desires; namely. land swaps and a demilitarized state of Palestine (that should go over big with Hamas!). His speech was most outstanding by BHO saying nothing of Jerusalem or the ROR----just a couple of minor points.

Two things are certain; the 1967 border will not fly and land swaps are anathema to the PA not to mention their partner Hamas. In this regard, any negotiations on a peace settlement are doomed and it may be in the interests of both parties to maintain a hostile appearance. It is said the BHO put the kabosh on the Palestinian statehood vote in the UNGA this fall, but that remains to be seen. Should the UNGA vote for statehood does that mean we'll have dejà vu to 1947 all over again???

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