Bibi's not happy about this.

As for my opinion on this, I support a one-state solution, but that's not even being considered by the political elite.

EDIT: Also, it appears as if most Israelis and Palistinians support a two-state solution based on 1967 borders (albeit it's a somewhat old poll).

-Sun_Tzu-

Of course the Israelis would never support a one-state solution; it would mean the end of the Jewish state. Right now, the Israeli population is comprised of 20% "Arab Israelis;" if they absorded the Palestinians, it is clear who the majority would be.

I think the only reason Obama is pursuing this whole deal right now is to ward of the Palestinians acting unilaterally to garner international support for their state. Otherwise, it's a pretty maladroit time to seek progress on this issue. I mean, I don't think a two-state solution is going to happen as long as Likud is in power, Hamas is in the picture, or the Palestinians remain fragmented (Fatah/Hamas).

Not that it's really "badass," but I hiked over 1,000 miles in a single trip.

[QUOTE="xXBuffJeffXx"]

[QUOTE="sonicare"] Hasn't the US been pushing for a 2 state solution for years?

sonicare

Yeah, but they will never let the Palestinians basically circumvent the US mediated process with Israel at the table. No way they'll let the Palestinian Authority do this unilaterally.

If I understand the situation correctly, the PA is basically circumventing the Israelis and the United States and going to the UN for recognition of statehood. I guess they've just realized that US-mediated efforts are futile as the US is NOT an unbiased mediator. This is the only way the Palestinians are going to get their own state. Anybody who thinks the Israelis want them to is delusional. The new settlement construction is an indication of their sentiment towards helping the Palestinians become an independent, autonomous, and UNOCCUPIED state.

That's why this whole deal is so controversial. The PA is trying to pursue statehood unilaterally (something I respect and hope works) because the regime in power right now in Israel will never recognize a Palestinian state. Likud and the settler bloc are basically hoping the Palestinian problem just goes away, as Saudi Fury described. These people believe all the land west of the Jordan River belongs to the Jewish People.

[QUOTE="lordreaven"][QUOTE="CwlHeddwyn"]

America will block it. a Palestinian state is bad news for Israel. Israel is the top ally of America.

SaudiFury

Yeah, if the UN actually recognizes a Palestinian state in the absence of a deal with Israel, things could get interesting really fast. I'm sure Israel would rescind every agreement it has ever had with the Palestinians...they might even totally disregard it and continue the occupation and building of settlements. Maybe a third intifada would erupt, who knows?

[QUOTE="CwlHeddwyn"]

America will block it. a Palestinian state is bad news for Israel. Israel is the top ally of America.

sonicare

Yeah, but they will never let the Palestinians basically circumvent the US mediated process with Israel at the table. No way they'll let the Palestinian Authority do this unilaterally.

Most people want a Palestinian state. What the borders of said state should be are another matter.fidosim

1967 borders

America will block it. a Palestinian state is bad news for Israel. Israel is the top ally of America.

CwlHeddwyn

A Palestinian state is NOT bad for Israel; it is the only viable long-term solution. Israel cannot indefinitely continue this practice of settlements and occupation. It is not at all unlikely that the international community eventually forces Israel to absorb the Palestinian territories and give Palestinians equal rights. You know what that means? Israel either becomes an apartheid state (minority Jews ruling majority Palestinians), or Israel simply ceases to be a Jewish state. By simple math, there would be more Palestinians than Jews in such a state. Right now the Israeli population is comprised of around 20% "Arab Israelis," as is.

I don't know what outcome Likud and the "settler bloc" are hoping for. I guess most likely they are trying to create a favorable situation on the ground so any two-state solution would include significant settlement terrority for Israel. I mean, we all know the hardline right in Israel believes everything west of the Jordan River is Israeli territory. Maybe they are hoping to fragment the Palestinians so much that they are essentially forced to leave and be absorbed into the Jordanian population?

In any case, the whole deal is a mess. And, you're right, America will block it; not out of any real concern for Israel, but out of shear terror of AIPAC and Netanyahu. This must be the first time in history a nation of 8 million has made a nation of over 300 million its ****

[QUOTE="xXBuffJeffXx"]

Pitt should have beat Butler...I still can't believe that was the team they lost to.

Anyway, I'm glad UCONN won; I was getting sick of all the Big East hate.

mems_1224

Maybe it was overrated, but it was still by far the best conference this year.

Pitt should have beat Butler...I still can't believe that was the team they lost to.

Anyway, I'm glad UCONN won; I was getting sick of all the Big East hate.

[QUOTE="Jolt_counter119"]

The Grand Canyon I guess.

Pirate700

South Rim is over 7,000 ft. and North Rim is around 8k, I think.

Highest I've been is about 13, 250 on Mauna Loa in Hawaii.