The tendency today in Mideast
conflicts is to focus on making demands for short-term gain at the expense of the
adversary. The possibility of redefining the problem hardly even occurs to
anyone, thus closing the door on an endless series of opportunities.
Might Israel have more security if Palestine were independent?
Might Iran trade total nuclear transparency for total Israeli nuclear transparency?
Might Hezbollah become a normal democratic party if Lebanon were protected from Israel?
Might Muslims reject violent jihad if Muslim concerns were
addressed?
No one even asks.
Instead of insisting upon intrusive leadership even when
failing, if Washington were
willing to step back and follow Ankara's
lead, new possibilities would open up. The idea of collective security might
replace the endless competition for superiority. The idea of Muslim
responsibility for just governance might replace the practice of government as
control of the populace for the good of the elite. The tone of Mideast
politics might shift as much as the shift of West European politics from the 30
Years' War to today. But first, the first step must be taken.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
