Palestinian Arabs Not a Nationality

Submitted by Richard H. Shulman (United States), Dec 11, 2011 at 17:03

I agree with Dr. Pipe's article and the two earlier ones he cites on this subject, except for his conclusion that "Palestinian" nationalism started in 1920. A few started, many disagreed, and most did not care.

Dr. Pipes makes it clear that the notion of Palestinian nationality was opportunistic, not nationalistic. Often a group of politicians who think they can control a small area call for independence from a country. That does not make them a nationality. Note how readily the Arabs now mostly ignore the fact that the original Palestine Mandate, whose boundaries were drawn up according to those of an ancient Jewish state there, included Jordan. To maintain their specious need for a separate state, they deny that Jordan includes the bulk of Palestine. And when Jordan controlled Judea and Samaria, the Arabs in those provinces did not object to being kept from having their own state. Same for the Arabs in Gaza, controlled by Egypt.

I'd like Dr. Pipes to comment on how much of the Palestinian Arab "cause" really is a front for religious holy war.

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