My Truth: The Middle East is nobody's playground

Peace for peace!!!! That is the only way that you can negotiate with these people.... Today, we are glorifying the the Iranian President Ahmajinad (sp?) for releasing the Brits...What?!?!?! He kidnapped them. Today, we are glorifying Asad for negotiating to release the 3 Israelis. What!?!?! His hand is all over it. In the Mideast, negotiation implies surrender.... Just look at the PA... They won't even negotiate to improve their own life...

It is folly to deny the fact that the very existance of Israel in any form is a major, almost fatal crack in the Muslim "world view". They can fix this crack in two ways: destroy Israel or change their world view. So until one of the two of these transpire (G-d willing it will be there world view which will change) it is utterly foolish to discuss peace, agreements, deals, land swaps etc... The reality: Build walls, defend yourselves and hunker down until the Muslim world view changes (somehow).

Lieberman brings clarity to a complex issue. Yet, in demanding Israel's neighbors be committed to peace he hints at the crux of the problem: Islamic refusal to acknowledge rights of anyone else. Until Islam undergoes the type of reformation that has modernized, and humanized, both Christianity and Judaism - the region will continue to see strife.

Regarding first point on Palestinian front you suggest - prosperity for the Palestinians - I would like you to present more details about that. If there is a way to increase credibility for your ideas, Mr. Lieberman, is by providing the readers details of the plans. For example: How do you think Israel foresees their economy working and providing them that prosperity? Are they already ready (or when will they be?) to have such economy working? Do they have economists to administrate their economy? How much Israeli security would compromise on a foreign administration for such economy?

First let me express my appreciation of Avigdor Leiberman, who distinguishes himself by his assertiveness and clarity of thought. My main reservation with his proposals is that they really involve more territorial concessions as a way to ensure demographic integrity for Israel. Instead of swiss-cheesing out the Muslims from Israel, they should instead be tranferred to Muslim states. That way, Israel can retain strategic depth and be free of a dangerous fifth column. Loyal Muslims should be permitted to remain.

This man is too smart to understand that Arabs will never except Israel, especially a weak state. They have their own history, their Islamic ideology, and will never give up their dreams to take overrich successful country. Why they need to built when they can take it for free? The Right of Return is precondition to legal claims for land, property, etc. Israel must, must, must be strong military, economically and morally. But with this government, saved by Lieberman, we can relay only on miracle. His true is good for him, not for Israel. By the way, I am a Jew from Russia (never was and no now a Russian Jew.).

Mr. Lieberman writes: "Do not be mistaken - I am in favor of a two-state solution...." Why? Might I ask why? Because of a promise the current American president made to then Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah only days before the 9/11/2001 attacks on U.S. soil by a Saudi proxy? (A few years back, a "Palestinian" state in Israel was unthinkable! What changed?) Because Mr. Bush is the first U.S. president to make the establishment of Muslim-Arab terror state in Israel a formal goal of U.S. policy -- due to a pusillanimous effort to appease America's and Israel's enemies? Might I ask where Mr. Lieberman's moral courage is? Did he lose his moral courage when he joined this Kadima "convergence" government of retreat? How about a little moral courage, a little faith and some standing one's ground in the face of immoral White House pressure? How about a little creativity and patience Mr. Lieberman? Perhaps we can solve this seemingly intractable difficulty in another way than your two state ("final") solution.

Conflict in the region is driven by Islamist ideology, to echo Dr. Nir. The most assertive, most violent factions of Arab society cannot live with the other because they feel compelled to follow some Messianic Hadith about killing all the Jews. Consequently, less violent factions are intimidated and disenfranchised, so 'peace agreements' with them are futile. Prosperity is not a pull for them, as much as A Lieberman might suggest. Palestinian society/prosperity in 1993 was at its zenith - its fall began for nationalistic reasons, later religious ones. A return to the pre-Oslo mindset for them would be unthinkable.

Shame on you! You talk as if you have a compromise solution that will benefit both Israelis and Palestinians. What do you know about benefitting anyone, except yourself!! First you should find a viable solution to the problems of the Jewish refugees of Gush Katif, who are homeless and jobless a year and a half after YOU enabled the powers-that-be to "Disengage" them from their land, their lives, but alas! not from the war, which plagues all of us. I don't forgive you! You are a hypocrite hiding behind the mask of "moderation".

He talks the talk. Can he walk the walk? And while we are at it - if these are in fact his positions - and I agree with nearly all of it - answer me one question: What is he doing in the Olmert/Peretz/Livni government?

I think the palestinians living in Isael would be horrified to realize that the creation of a new palestinian state would mean they would have to leave Israel for the new state. They know life in Israel is far, far better for them than living under palestinian rule.

I believe that Hamas puts it very clearly in article 11 of their charter and represents the Muslim Arab position "The Islamic Resistance Movement believes that the land of Palestine is an Islamic Waqf consecrated for future Moslem generations until Judgement Day... The nation of Islam is in my opinion not going to move one inch...it can't. Israel wants peace but giving land for peace is not going achieve anything other than a demand for more. This is the law governing the land of Palestine in the Islamic Sharia (law) and the same goes for any land the Moslems have conquered by force, because during the times of (Islamic) conquests, the Moslems consecrated these lands to Moslem generations till the Day of Judgement...

The solution to the ongoing hostilities among Israel's arab neighbors and terrorist groups (including Abbas'Fatah) is a population transfer of all nonloyal arabs to the Muslim country of their choice.

Two options: 1-One state solution in Palestine 2- Palestine for those that want to live there nomatter their religion and Alaska for those that don't want to stay.

Surely Mr. Lieberman is aware that most Palestinians and increasing numbers of Israeli Palestinians adhere to the hope and belief that they will destroy the Jewish State and kill or expel her Jewish inhabitants. The entire Palestinian educational system, media, and leadership teach and inculcate this genocide to every Palestinian man, woman, and especially child, and their lead is followed by many Israeli Palestinians. This is the crux of the Arab Israeli problem, and until this Arab desire for the genocide of the Jews is done away with, there will not and cannot be any peace between Israeli Jews and Arabs, Palestinians, or Israeli Palestinians.

Why just not stalemate all negotiations until oil loses its precious value? Without this asset, arab countries will be no more powerful or known as the ones in the middle of Africa, right? How long to wait? Will guess of 10-20 years sound reasonable? Don't you guys call it Savlanut?

Avigdor, I'm an Avoda man through and through. But you sure do make sense. Have the balls to tell it how it is.

Why just not stalemate all negotiations until oil loses its precious value? Without this asset, arab countries will be no more powerful or known as the ones in the middle of Africa, right? How long to wait? Will guess of 10-20 years sound reasonable? Don't you guys call it Savlanut?

Mr. Lieberman has said many very good things, and comments 1-7 are wonderfully constructive. But Mr. Lieberman is being a bit too "civilized" for my taste. Having watched this process for a long, long time, I've come to the conclusion that "my" President Bush may have been mistaken with his concept of a "2 state" solution. Nothing ANY "Palestinian Arab" faction has done since his proclamation [or Oslo, for that matter], has in any way contributed constructively to such a solution, and it's becoming quite clear that Pals simply have neither the inclination, will, leadership, nor population willing to do the things necessary for the creation and maintenance of a viable, peaceful state. All polls show that overwhelming majorities of their people support Hamas and are: against recognizing Israel or living up to their previous agreements; are for Intifadah; for pushing Israel into the sea, and absolutely not interested in any constructive engagement or solutions. The Pals have been existing in a "never-never world" for 60 years, stoked on and bribed by Saudi, Syria, Iran and other Daddy Bigbucks types, to the point where they care not at all about generations of their babies, which they raise in a Culture of Death, indoctrinate, and use as cannon fodder. With over 75% of the population radicalized and under 25, just exactly WHO is going to run this "State?" Israel's "Palestinian Arab" population has, apparently, chosen the wrong side. The proposed "Constitution" they've written shows there's no intent on their part for any serious reconciliation with the nation under which they are prospering - beyond even the wildest dreams of their "brothers" in PLO/HAMAS LAND. There needs to be accountability for this, and confiscation of [and payment for] properties and deportations are necessary and going to be critical. [Sorry for being explicitly "un-pc," but after years of BS, don't you think the time has come?] "Israeli Arabs" who've fought for their country in IDF, Mossad, and Shin Bet [or elsewhere] who wish to stay and are prepared to join Israel's Jews in building and maintaining a secure, peaceful, democratic nation of course, should be permitted to stay; they've paid for the right and unless or until they demonstrate otherwise, should be considered loyal Israelis. Tolerating a disloyal, subversive 5th Column in the midst of a country at war and surrounded by enemies, is too foolhardy to even consider. This is not going to be popular and the EU, UN, and maybe even the US Left and the rest of the world will scream like stuffed pigs; tough! Nobody bothered to complain or compensate the 700,00+ Jews who were expelled from "Arab Lands." In any case, the original plan was 2 states, Israel and Jordan ought to do it. With 70-75% of Jordan "Palestinian Arabs," I really can see no valid argument for a THREE way split of what was loosely known as "Palestine, Cisjordan and Transjordan." Jordan, at least, is a state with a more-or-less elected government that functions, infrastructure, etc. The "Pals" to date, have been unable to manage anything close to viable since 1992; how much longer must we and they wait, and at what cost? I do not believe there should be any more "compromise." Israel has already given up Sinai, Gaza, S.Lebanon and much of the W.Bank. Not one of the "Palestinian concessions" or their obligations under previous agreements have been fulfilled; and every additional inch Israel turns over to Arabs, decreases her ability to defend herself; and WORSE YET, empowers enemies by convincing them that THEY COMPELLED Israel with their horrendous behavior. For too many years, Israel has been teaching and conditioning [by rewarding] very bad behavior. The prisoner exchanges, often 1000 to 1 are a prime example. If you tell me you'll give me 1000 of my murders and criminals for just one of your people, I'll kidnap one or three on a regular basis, just on general principals for later exchanges. This is not a difficult concept, and Pavlov got it down with bells, food and dogs a very long time ago. The time has come for some seriously AVERSIVE STIMULI; that means connecting SERIOUS PAIN with bad or undesirable behavior. It's as simple as that. And, until Israel gets a government with leadership willing to break the pattern of weakness and stupidity, I see very little hope for Israel's survival. marian

Dear Mr.Liberman It seems to me,that you have changed your previous stance,and you are willing to give more of our land away?(unless I misunderstood your article)It would not achieve "Peace" but it will just be giving it away "piecemeal". I hate to disagree with you,but these are the facts.And agree with all the respondents who have similar views to my own. If I may add:We must never relinquish the Golan!Too many of our people,soldiers/officer died to defend our home.The Golan is a very strategic place and we need it for our security. Sorry,but I had to remind you,and the other respondents about this issue. To expect the Arabs/Muslims coming to terms that Israel is here to stay--irrespective of their 7th century thinking that Israel is part of their Waqf and not acceptable at all. I fear that I cannot envisage a just solution and the only remedy is for the many Arabs living in the disputed territories to join their brethren among their 22 Arab countries surrounding our tiny land. To help the Palestinians is a futile gesture.We ceded Gaza and no improvement is seen anywhere.They do not have the mental capacity,or willingness to work and profit from the many monies donated by the world community throughout the decades. In lieu they prefer to carry with their ultimate fight to annihilate Israel,with their jihadist terrorists and tribalistic view point. Finally,Israel must remain a Sovereign State and we must keep our defences ready at all times. We cannot allow outside dictums to solve our problems and we are the only ones to adhere to our own goal--by maintaining Israel a thorough Jewish State.

The so called Israeli conflict can't be solved by outsiders. Only the parties of the "conflict" have to find a way end to the curent situation. Israeli Arabs bacame a Liability and not a aset. Israeli Arabs should speak up clearly "You Are Israeli Arabs or You Are Palestinian Arabs".As Israeli citizens they can't ignore the National Anthom (Hatikvah). All over the world are ethnic minorities singing the anthom of their chosen country. Abraham

Mr.Liberman I fear that you have somewhat changed your conservative stance and I have to disagree with your viewpoints. There is no way the Arabs and Islamic States surrounding Israel will ever try and accommodate in accepting Israel's presense.They have not done so in nigh on 60 years,and they will never do it now.To think otherwise is wishfull thinking. As for the so-called Palestinians they should have been able by now,to have achieved a modicum of decent behaviour,and begun to form a governement that isn't on a "self destuct mode" throughout the decades.This too with the monies donated to them from around the world.This seems to have been spent on weaponry rather than ameliorating their way of life.Ceding Gaza is a good example.They just turned it into a launching pad for kassams into our Towns.They continue to pursue in their jihadisim with the sole intention of killing more Jews. Finally, there is no way Israel should either give in to the "Saudi" initiative,which does not show anything worthy,bar more of the same "rhetoric"It has to be rejected forthwith.The same applies to Syria's Assad.We have to keep our Golan,we fought and many died for the defence of our country.The Golan is crucial for it's strategic defence purposes,with great advantage. No more ceding land,and one alternative is for Israel to remain strong at all times.Not "peace" at any price,nor giving Israel "piece meal"...

Joel Hammer @ 6:04: A nice Muslim country might include the US. How about your little town in NY there? How about sending those unfaithful to the motherland to Walton, eh?

The bottom line is that Israel is not ready, willing and able to make real peace. The game is up. The world now knows who is the refusnik.

Muslims and Jews are cousins.A bold and brave initiative is necessary to change the current fiasco. I am in favor of ONE country which includes all the areas what Jews have and what Palestinians have.It can me a great experiment in democracy where Jews and Muslims live side by side again, as it was for centuries. Any attempt to further isolate and create additional wedge between jews and Muslims will not be to anyones adavantage. Lets think of brotherhood and not wars and animosities.

Because Israel has 75% of Palestine for its own official State based on subsequent agreements and UN resolution 242 Israel really should stop occupying the remaining land that is left over for Palestine. If Israel gets out of Gaza, the west bank and the Golan Heights and stops treating Palestinians so bad the world and middle east would respond well. It is so obvious that all the violence is because Israel won't follow UN res 242.

Hamas, and others with a similar view point, will not allow prosperity to progress in the PA territories until Israel is wiped off the map. They are blackmailing the PA and the world with an anarchistic, violent, despirate, and out of control situation. They are not going to let anything positive happen until they have their way. The tail is wagging the dog in Palestine. And they have enough support among the Palestinian people such that no Palestinian Government can suppress them. The best we can do is keep them at bay while Israel gets stronger and stronger. The thing that has changed is that the world - even Europe - no longer blames Israel for Palestinian misery. The world understands that this is something the Palestinians have done to themselves on purpose. A lot of people have been hoping that the Palestinian people would get tired of their misery and come to a point where they wanted peace and prosperity. I think that has already happened and Hamas has intimidated them into silence. According to a recent poll, one-third of the Palestinians would leave for another country in a heart beat if they were able to. These are the normal, sane, reasonable ones - and they have given up hope.

Since the majority of the Palestine mandate was given to the Hashemite Kingdom, anyone who wants to identify as a Palestinian should go there. There will never be a peaceful division of the remaining part of Western Palestine, because any division will make Israel too small and tempting a target for the Arab world that will forever insist on liberating ALL Palestinian lands.

A Two State solution is not the solution. It would merely institutionalize a process of demographic capitulation. The solution is the REMOVAL of most or all of the Arab population from the territories captured in 1967, as well as from the current State of Israel. This must not precipitate a huge human tragedy, as did the separation of India and Pakistan. It must be handled in an organized and gradual manner. There should be a carrot as well as a stick. Displaced Arabs should be compensated for their property. There should be a relocation allowance. The government should administer a fund, which would resell these properties to Jewish owners. The whole thing must be done under international supervision. This must be the most humane Ethnic Cleansing operation, ever.

Dear Avigdor, Take a time-out from meddlers. Have a year of Israeli reflection, underline Israeli.Try to establish a national unity government. Afterwards tell the Arabs directly what Israel has decided. Do not engage in endless dialogues; they will lead to nothing. Loyal Palestinians will be very few; hostile Arabs far too many. A divorce between two parties requires a physical and mental separation. Look for the methods that will lead to such a separation during the year of reflexion. Prepare also for an armed conflict since this is one of the alternatives on our planet! I wish you courage and determination.

As minister for strategic affairs, why not do something really strategic? Walk out on this government beofore Beilin & Peres force you out, and reclaim what little respect there is to salvage for YB.

Liberman next President