United Nations approves Palestinian observer bid
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I'm generally not one for debate and politics, but I will admit that I find the entire conflict and interesting one and one worth watching.
From my standpoint, I'd have rather Palestine not have received recognition from the United Nations due to the fact that instead of just putting Israel in a precarious situation, it puts the world at large in a similar state. Israel is basically a religious outcast - and I do try to tread very carefully around religion due to my respect of everyone's beliefs, so hear me out - due to it being located in the Middle East. Palestine and the Gaza Strip are primarily Muslim populations, while the rest of Israel is primarily Jewish. Therefore, the religious tension going on is one of note.
But, when you look at Israel's size, you have to realize the dangers of Palestine being recognized as a state. Becoming a state is one of the stages before becoming a country, and with Israel only being the size of New Jersey, their economy (and population) will surely take a blow if Palestine becomes a country (think long term here). Not only that, but Biblical cities are located in the Palestinian state. Therefore, I'm afraid that war will occur over religion. Anyone remember the Crusades? I do NOT want to see a modern-scale version of that.
And, being an American, I suppose it would be "okay' to express my views on the economical standpoint. The US gives Israel 8.5 million dollars a day. That's over 3 billion dollars a year. And while that might not seem much for a country of the USA's size and economical standpoint, one must realize the concern exuding from the country. We're trillions of dollars in debt and are giving money away for another country's benefit. Therefore, should Palestine try to secede, taking away around one third of Israel's landmass, one begins to wonder exactly where all of the money we've been giving Israel over the years has been going.
Now I get to my main point. If Palestine attempts to secede, civil war may and most likely will occur. The war would be one primarily over religion, and given Israel's precarious situation, I imagine Palestine will receive more assistance than Israel, given Israel's very few allies. Not only that, but the United States is one of Israel's allies. That gives the United States two options: Don't participate in the war and not offend the Muslim population at large but risk a large hit to the country's credibility and reputation for not defending the allies. The other option is that they defend Israel, offend Palestine's allies, and risk a plethora of things not good for the country.
Therefore, I hope that Palestine remains as it is now and nothing more. If war does break out, Obama better have a damn good speech ready for either stance the USA takes.
From my standpoint, I'd have rather Palestine not have received recognition from the United Nations due to the fact that instead of just putting Israel in a precarious situation, it puts the world at large in a similar state. Israel is basically a religious outcast - and I do try to tread very carefully around religion due to my respect of everyone's beliefs, so hear me out - due to it being located in the Middle East. Palestine and the Gaza Strip are primarily Muslim populations, while the rest of Israel is primarily Jewish. Therefore, the religious tension going on is one of note.
But, when you look at Israel's size, you have to realize the dangers of Palestine being recognized as a state. Becoming a state is one of the stages before becoming a country, and with Israel only being the size of New Jersey, their economy (and population) will surely take a blow if Palestine becomes a country (think long term here). Not only that, but Biblical cities are located in the Palestinian state. Therefore, I'm afraid that war will occur over religion. Anyone remember the Crusades? I do NOT want to see a modern-scale version of that.
And, being an American, I suppose it would be "okay' to express my views on the economical standpoint. The US gives Israel 8.5 million dollars a day. That's over 3 billion dollars a year. And while that might not seem much for a country of the USA's size and economical standpoint, one must realize the concern exuding from the country. We're trillions of dollars in debt and are giving money away for another country's benefit. Therefore, should Palestine try to secede, taking away around one third of Israel's landmass, one begins to wonder exactly where all of the money we've been giving Israel over the years has been going.
Now I get to my main point. If Palestine attempts to secede, civil war may and most likely will occur. The war would be one primarily over religion, and given Israel's precarious situation, I imagine Palestine will receive more assistance than Israel, given Israel's very few allies. Not only that, but the United States is one of Israel's allies. That gives the United States two options: Don't participate in the war and not offend the Muslim population at large but risk a large hit to the country's credibility and reputation for not defending the allies. The other option is that they defend Israel, offend Palestine's allies, and risk a plethora of things not good for the country.
Therefore, I hope that Palestine remains as it is now and nothing more. If war does break out, Obama better have a damn good speech ready for either stance the USA takes.
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Palestine becoming a state may fundamentally alter the way the peace process is approached. It will force Israel to approach Palestine as an equal and not an occupied foe, lest Palestine take them to court. I agree with Palestine on this issue, it was necessary to do this to stop Israeli settlements. I can see some obvious arguments in favor of Israel, though...
However, there are some counterpoints:
For one, Palestine isn't even a state recognized by the majority of the world's nations, so it's ludicrous for it to be a non-member state - you can't be a state when you're not a state. The passing of the GA Resolution was not equivalent to those same countries recognizing Palestine, a hundred new embassies were not established because of it.
For two, what extent of Palestine did the U.N. recognize? What's currently the West Bank and Gaza? More? Less? As a state recognized by the U.N. Palestine could feasibly push (through the U.N. even) for the two state solution proposed in 1948... which would be absolutely unacceptable to Israel and lead to conflict.
For three, as a recognized state Palestine will have an easier time acquiring weapons to use against Israel. At the very least China or Russia would have an easier time wasting Security Council time by forcing a U.S. veto against peacekeepers in the region.
For four, well, even the Israeli liberals are against it because they see it as a conflict instigator: Haaretz article ..
You know what I'd find really hilarious though? If Hamas and Fatah started using the U.N. courts on each other.
However, there are some counterpoints:
For one, Palestine isn't even a state recognized by the majority of the world's nations, so it's ludicrous for it to be a non-member state - you can't be a state when you're not a state. The passing of the GA Resolution was not equivalent to those same countries recognizing Palestine, a hundred new embassies were not established because of it.
For two, what extent of Palestine did the U.N. recognize? What's currently the West Bank and Gaza? More? Less? As a state recognized by the U.N. Palestine could feasibly push (through the U.N. even) for the two state solution proposed in 1948... which would be absolutely unacceptable to Israel and lead to conflict.
For three, as a recognized state Palestine will have an easier time acquiring weapons to use against Israel. At the very least China or Russia would have an easier time wasting Security Council time by forcing a U.S. veto against peacekeepers in the region.
For four, well, even the Israeli liberals are against it because they see it as a conflict instigator: Haaretz article ..
You know what I'd find really hilarious though? If Hamas and Fatah started using the U.N. courts on each other.
The "United Nations" in the title gave that one away.
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It gives legitimacy to Fatah over Hamas, and it unifies most of the world in its opinion regarding what an independent Palestine should be.
It's symbolic but it also brings more legitimacy to two important facets of the disputes.
It's symbolic but it also brings more legitimacy to two important facets of the disputes.