A view from a moderate Muslim Arab

Submitted by Hatim Zaghloul (Canada), Apr 15, 2003 at 16:31

However, this is how I view myself.

It is fascinating that in the article, claims by Arab leaders are refuted by Mr. Pipes and not by Israeli leaders. It would be interesting to see a quote from Ariel Sharon stating his total respect for the 1947 borders of Israel or even the current borders.

I do agree however that the term Greater Israel has been abused by many leaders on both sides of the border.

I know that some of the questions in the article were rhetoric. However, when you ask how can we resolve the concept of Greater Israel with the fact that Israel returned Sinai three times after occupying it: it is easy. Why did they occupy it in the first place? The fact that Israel occupied Sinai thrice confirms to many Arabs that Zionists have ambitions to expand the state of Israel beyond its current borders. As to why they returned it: they had to. In all cases because of US pressure. Arabs believe that they reluctantly returned it.

The real question here is what are we (mankind) trying to achieve? Is it peace or is it domination by one group or another? I personally believe that it is peace and that eventually, peace will prevail.

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