Palestine deserves UN membership
- By Shen Dingli
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E-mail China.org.cn, October 10, 2011
The source of the success of the making of contemporary state of Israel has three elements. First, Jewish people had lived there since some 32 centuries ago. They were only expelled by external violence. Their miserable narratives provided their legitimacy in returning home. Second, they have strived toward this aim persistently. Third, they have secured the support of major powers. Without the backing of the U.S., UK and USSR, it was impossible to have the UN to approve the creation of Israeli statehood.
The failure of Palestine to succeed in creating its own statehood, despite its own miserable story, is due to its inability to secure support from all major powers, especially from the U.S. Palestine's refusal to accept the creation of Israel – despite initial Israeli acceptance of Palestine – was a no-win strategy for the Arabs. The Egypt-led anti-Israel wars were not only ill-fated, they caused Palestine to lose even more land. Using radical means, including terrorist attacks, to resist Israeli occupation could possibly create an impact and draw sympathy, but in no way could it change the course of destiny. If radical Palestinians continue to seek a solution through terrorism, they will never be successful.
Meanwhile, Israel will never be secure by continuing to defend the status quo. The modern state of Israel has become a globally accepted member of the international community. Despite the controversy, anti-Zionism has receded. All major powers, including China, have recognized Israel as a legitimate state.
Israel is entitled to self-defense, but not at the pain of its neighbors' legitimate rights. Israel has a long memory of past mischief, but has no need to unnecessarily add misery to its own partners. When most of the Arab governments, including the Palestinian National Authority, have acknowledged Israel's legitimacy, it is time for Israel to better accommodate Palestine's legitimate rights and work out a mutually respectful and acceptable solution through negotiations with Palestine.
Without American backing, there will be no contemporary Israel. The U.S. richly deserves this credit. America's benevolence in this regard ensures the world that justice will protect the underdog, and consequently owns its respect. However, U.S. leadership must extend to all the oppressed. Palestinians ought to merit the same U.S. support and protection. The Palestinian authority has changed its perspective on Israel's legitimacy, yet its people still live without full statehood for their UN-endorsed land. The US still has a moral and legal obligation to help make a change.
This aim is also critical to U.S. national security. Globally, the U.S. has been widely viewed as too pro-Israel. It is wrong to support anti-American terrorism in response to U.S. pro-Zionism, but America could help defeat such ideologies and their followers by being fair with Palestine. Leadership in ensuring a decent Israel-Palestine settlement and Palestine's joining the UN system at the earliest possible time will assure all parties long-term peace and prosperity.
The author is a columnist with China.org.cn For more information please visit http://www.shenbo75.com/opinion/shendingli.htm
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