Any formal recognition will be too superficial to matter

Submitted by Dave, Apr 26, 2019 at 19:32

The PA may "recognize" Israel, but let there be any sort of violence and Israel will promptly be blamed and condemned, even if it's a reaction to an undisputed Arab provocation like a terrorist attack. This has happened over and over again in the past. Actually, the likelihood of terrorism will increase because the Islamic fanatics will feel emboldened by what they regard as a sellout. Soon, the old status quo will resume, but it will be worse than before because Israel will have been asked to make material concessions which will increase her vulnerability.

Over the centuries, Muslims have been become accustomed to feeling entitled to rule over people of other faiths, because they have in fact done so and that historical reality is reinforced by the Islamic sacred canon. It's hard to see how signing a piece of paper will significantly change those beliefs.
Instead of trying to fit western legal formalities on a procrustean bed, we should draft a manifesto of what the region should look according to western values and then use that as a basis for constructive criticism when those principles are violated. The changes needed will require tectonic shifts in Muslim attitudes and cannot be rushed by signing documents. It doesn't help that the West probably lacks the self-confidence to take such a step.

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