concessions

Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger told Israel Radio on Wednesday:

"There are ways to get out of the deadlock, and I am actually quite optimistic."
"Some positions will have to be changed, especially on the Arab side, about the survival of Israel, but I think that we are at a phase where progress will be made."
"Arafat knows what he has to do. He doesn't need to be talked to. He's known for 10 years what he should do in order to have peace, and he hasn't wanted it."
"The way to a breakthrough is that the moderate Arabs convince the Palestinians, or assist the Palestinians, in defeating the terrorists."
"Whatever the tactical stiffness of Israel is, on the big issues it has made astonishing concessions every time there was an opportunity for peace. They did it under Rabin, they did it under Barak, and they would do it under Sharon, or anyone else."


http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/357494.html

Yes, Arafat knows he needs to do more than he has. Whether he's willing to do more is another question.

Yes, Rabin made concessions to get teh Oslo process started. Assuming Dr. Kissinger means the "generous offer", the question of whether Barak's concessions were adequate can be disputed. However, I agree with those on the board who say that Arafat should have countered with a proposal of his own before giving up.

Nevertheless, Dr. Kissinger is expressing more faith in General Sharon than I have. This man has never seen a peace plan he has liked and isn't likely ever going to see one. Regardless of Arafat's failings, Sharon has long been a major part of the problem and doesn't want to be part of a just solution.

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israel must make "painful concessions" to help achieve Mideast peace by giving up some Jewish settlements in Palestinian territory, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said in Sunday's editions of the newspaper Ha'aretz.

<snip>

"As a Jew, this agonizes me. But I have decided to make every effort to reach a settlement. I feel that the rational necessity to reach a settlement is overcoming my feelings."

<snip>

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/04/13/sharon.settlements/

Words not backed up by actions (occupation, settlements). Sorry Forrests...

Sharon's actions in this regard cannot be viewed as more than cosmetic; even that characterization is generous. He derives too much of his political strength from support of the settler lobby to dare take concrete action. In the early stages of the "road map", it seemed right to suspend judgement over whether his words on the matter would be followed up by actions; by now it is clear that they have not been, and will not be.

And I would hold the Palestinians also for their words. If they say they will stop the terrorists I expect them to do that, just as I expect Israel to change its policy. It goes both ways..

Your post is much appreciated.

Thank you! ;)
Being critical of Sharon doesn't mean that I don't expect the Palestinians to do their part for reaching peace (even by bringing new people instead of Arafat)

I mean really, Kissinger?
:puke: