Peaceful protest of barrier appears fruitful

Ayed Murar studied a map handed to residents of this Palestinian village Monday morning by an army officer, trying to figure out whether the planned route of an Israeli barrier would cut through more of Budrus' olive trees.

The answer wasn't clear on the map, but there was encouraging news from the Israeli side, communicated through Palestinian officials. After two months of non-violent demonstrations led by Murar and other activists to save the village's olive groves, the Israelis said Monday that they would move the route of the barrier west, to spare the trees.

Murar wasn't celebrating yet, and he said he wanted to see the results on the ground. But he attributed the change, which would move a section of fence toward the West Bank's boundary with Israel, to the village's protest tactics.

"This is a result of our peaceful struggle, our peaceful demonstrations," said Murar, 42.

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Protests conducted in an acceptable manner can be constructive. They are beginning to learn.