Today’s Vital Question: Where Are Arabs?

"This man stole because he was hungry, and when hunger is the reason for people to steal, the Sultan’s neck must be cut and not the thief’s hand.”"

This is how many here see the problem. While we can empathize with the Palestinians, so much of the Arab world is far removed from that conflict yet little is done to improve the life of the people.

I think that the Temple Mount should be shared, as should Jerusalem.

All sides accept Irael's existence, and not necessarily as of 1967, but provisionally.

And, perhaps I have read the wrong books, but does the Koran demand that Muslims fight to restore lands back to Islam that have gone from Islam?

In other words, can there really be peace with any boundaries?

"It was the Shiite Muslims of South Lebanon and Iran who proved to the world that Israel is a power which actually can be defeated"

Not likely in my lifetime, or yours.

Depends what you mean by defeated?

Defeated through demographics, self-defeated due to Fortress Israel policies, defeated through isolation from the foreign powers that fund them, defeated as more youngsters are refusing their national service etc.

Military defeat? I don't see that. Brought into compliance with international law due to some of the above factors - quite probably.

All of what rng said, and I would add defeat through hubris.

With people like you, carrying this load on their shoulders and investing their abilities to serve what they believe in, Palestine will be back. With this sense of responsibility, we will be able to convey justice and thus defeat Israel. I always prefer to turn things to where I feel that I can cause impact. This will never change unless we change from the inside. Everyone should work from its side and we all together can cause the change. It is not acceptable for any Muslim or for any one that seeks justice to not be aware of what is going on in Al-Aqsa these days. The least thing we can do is to be aware and to feel the sadness of our current situation. keep going Anan with those nice writings...

All I see is hatred as far as I am concerned Israel and its Arab neighbors are as bad as each other. It's all about religion, hatred and people that behave worst than animals. When will they all learn to be civilized decent human beings?

War mongering seemingly ceases to be a sin, the killing of innocent souls though hatred seems to be the first item on each sides menu. Sorry this story is related to hatred so I for one can not recommend it as a peace activist.   

Interesting post.

I agree with you Babel-Fish 100%. But...I cannot know the pain both sides suffer nor do I even try to pretend I do...we have enough of our own pain here in the United States. Talk about racism...this is a shame for all humanity.

The vital question where are the Arabs?has a ready-made answer.Arabs are in the pockets of US.

Arabs never wanted a resolution to Palestine-Israel conflict,the rhetoric against Israel is a daily routine so that Arab anger against their own rulers,monarchs,Sheikhs and a gang of Royal/ruling class families,could be directed against Israel.A liberated Palestine could  isnpire other countries in the Arab world to rise against their own exploiters,those who are ruling them.There is a tacit understanding  between Zionists and Arab rulers.

And the fourth party has given up, no longer calling them self Arab. Taking refuge and moving on, so their children may grow up in peace and call them self French or German... in stead.

Excellent story with many good points. One wonders why the Saudis who have more money than god do not help their fellow Muslim brethern, yet rely on the much hated West to do all the financing, security and aid? The Saudis could eradicate pretty much most of the suffering in the middle east in months, but clearly are not.  I guess Money is greener and thicker and more preferred over blood.

If the Saudis would hire fellow muslims from the middle east as a priority over foreign workers from outside the middle east, perhaps that would allieviate the work shortages and unemployment from the regions in the middle east affected.  Those who wish the jobs to come to them are the destructors of their own predicament. Move to where the jobs are,

"Israel is dying nowadays to reclaim its reputation as a power that cannot be defeated, but in vain. Sorry, Israel, you lost this reputation… and you lost it forever! So hands off our Holy Aqsa!"

I think not. Sorry but accuracy in your reporting  just doesn't hold up. I am so amazed, well maybe not, at the emotional outbursts when Israel is mentioned. Hatred, exaggeration, ignorance, racist comments, etc. plummet any possible truth and reality. Screw the bastards is the theme here.  Syria should only allow the freedom that EVERY Israeli citizen shares: Jews, Muslims, Christians, Bahais, and many other smaller sects most of you never heard of.

But then again I live here and see what really goes on this small strip of land. The spin and exaggeration of truth belies the real intent and motivations of some.

I am not here to defend policy nor do I care much about what is  commented out of frustration and prejudice. But I do ask my fellow journalists to please keep your personal dislikes out of the fray if possible and ask questions about Israel and its policies instead of seeing us through a "glass darkly". You just might be surprised at the truth.

Just one more thing. If you believe all these sensational accusations made in this article about the "Zionist enemy" then I have a bridge I would love to sell you. Real cheap.

Anan,

Do not break the NP rules and personally attack me. All I stated from my vantage point living in Israel and seeing for myself  what is taking place here is that your statement does not represent the truth. Calling me names from Damascus does not support your claims.

Anan,

When you are mature enough to discuss the serious issues in our neighborhood then maybe your hatred will move aside and peace will come to the region. Until then it appears that you are NOT interested in discussing anything except insults. Sad commentary on your perspective.

Ah. At least you are finally sharing your real feelings. Sorry dear but we are here to stay, G-d willing, one day your hatred will melt into the sea.

Wow, Anan...I've been reading through all your articles and though I disagree with you on minor points here and there, I've found your articles to be thought provoking, at their very least.  Unfortunately, although not really life-altering for you I'm sure, I hold the work of journalists up to the journalists theirselves, and if you honestly think the answer to this conflict can be found in "pack your stuff and leave our lands"....I'm shocked, to say the least.  Here I thought was a young woman with strong ideals, and a passion for politics, and yet....must I conclude you are, in fact, just a well-educated, well-spoken racist?  Sadly, I hold no truck with racists.  How do you think it would go over if the Native American Indian population told all people of European and African decent "pack your stuff and leave our land"....?  It's a slightly ridiculous demand, no?

The French occupied my country previously. I do NOT hate them. You know why? Because, in my religion, one does not inherit one's sins. We do not inherit Adam & Eve's sin. 

But those Zionist baby-killers are demolishing Palestinian homes, killing innocent people, massacring thousands of Palestinians, throwing others in jail and taking the land with force EACH AND EVERY DAY. This did not happen in the past and stop as in the case with Syria and France. No one in Syria hates the French... why? 'Cause what happened in the past remained there and it's not happening now.

EVERY SINGLE ISRAELI is a baby-killer. Didn't you see how their so-called kids signed the bombs that were used to kill Lebanese kids, "Dear Lebanese/Palestinian/Arab/Muslim/Christians - Kids. Die with love.

Yours,

Israeli Kids."

I do hate the sinner AND the sin. 

The Arab Jews have each and every right to stay in Palestine because it's their land as well as Christians' and Muslims'. We always lived with them in harmony and peace. 

Take off your coat of prejudice and, for once, put yourself in a Gaza kid's shoes. 

The discussion is closed. I don't have so much free time to reply to every prejudiced or ignorant comment (not person).  This is an article: take it or leave it. Go write an article of your own to express your "thoughts".

Adieu