March 8, 2010 issue
Complex Mideast
By Marlow Ediger North Newton, Kan.Expressing optimism for settling the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, Scott Miller mentions justice and the application of international law. The problem is, who determines justice? Israel wants all of the West Bank. It is rapidly reaching its goal, with settlements already built or being built for 500,000 Israelis. Palestinians get the leftovers. And, as Miller stresses, a wall separates Jews from Arabs on the West Bank. I view the issues as complex and almost impossible to solve, but I do prize Miller’s optimism.
Somewhat opposite is the thinking of Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach who writes about the negative conditions of the people of the Gaza Strip. They have truly suffered, and there is no end in sight. The Gaza crisis can be solved with political will, according to Schlabach. Where will that will come from? Her optimistic thinking also needs encouragement.
Comment on the article Complex Mideast
The purpose of comments is to engage in dialogue. We expect commenters to treat authors and each other as each would want to be treated. Respectful criticism is welcomed; offensive comments or parts of comments will be removed by the site administrator. Name and comment will be posted; email address is for follow-up only and will not be made public.
Download
Download a free PDF showing the populations of
Mennonite groups and other Anabaptists.
