TJP

Israel’s Clenched Fist

Byron A. Ellis – January 22, 2009

Obama’s inaugural speech refers “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”

The clenched fist metaphor can also be applied to nations that sow the seeds of apartheid, occupation and mayhem. It was a vivid reminder of the clenched fits that occupies and subjugates Palestinians. The oppressors of Palestine also clings to power through corruption, deceit and the silencing of dissent, they too, like former apartheid South Africa under the Afrikaners, are on the wrong side of history.

It was wrong and murderous to killed so many innocent Palestinians. Wrong, is wrong no matter who commits the act, whether friends or adversaries.

It remains to be seen if the Obama administration will apply fair procedures to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Fairness is in the best interest of all parties.

Fairness means that all parties in the negotiating process can live with the agreed decisions.

In addressing Muslims Obama said “we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West -- know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.” This advice is more suited to Israel, who in 2006 destroyed Southern Lebanon and during the last days of the Bush administration caused over $2 billion dollars of destruction in Gaza.

However, over the years, Israel’s material destruction of Muslim assets pales in comparison to the lives that they have destroyed. Unfortunately, stiff-necked people are incapable of judging their leaders by the brutality of their actions.

It is possible that a different Middle East policy, one in which Israel does not reign supreme will provide the incentive for them to negotiate fairly with Palestine.

Israel’s policy of preventing commerce to flow into Gaza is deplorable and should not be tolerated by the international community, if a new era of fairness and transparency is the goal of the Obama administration.

The projection and actualization of United States procedural fairness towards the Muslim world will undoubtedly enhance worldwide security and confidence.

We can only hope that the leaders of Israel unclench their fits and stop brutalizing Palestine, it is in their best interest.

SAVE DARFUR