Heartbreaking!!!!

Will need to put a bit of thought into that question Col. There is no easy solution to the problem, but what I am certain about is that it will never be resolved by violence.

I believe that before peace negotiations between the warring factions can even get off the ground an international independent mediator, which is both recognised and acceptable to the Israelis and Palestinians, needs to be established. Not so sure the UN has the teeth or the confidence of either side to carry out the role with any effect. There are issues with regard to the composition of the permanent and non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Things just get a whole lot tougher through each stage thereafter and before the newly formed peacemaker could invite both sides to the negotiating table the following criteria would need to be met; the elected leaders of the Palestinians would need to denounce publicly all violence against Israel and especially Hamas, acknowledge the Jewish state’s right to exist.

In return, with immediate effect, Israel would need to lift the blockade and economic embargo which has been in force in Gaza since 2007. The Israelis would need to enter the negotiations without any preconditions attached in terms of territorial concessions and giving up control of the disputed territories.

Where we are now looks light years away from the possibility of a two state system in the region, where both sides can co-exist together enjoying peace and self-determination. That’s why I think the first step in establishing a truly independent mediator is so crucial.

An escalation of conflict and instability in the Middle East would probably lead to spiralling fuel prices in the West. Should such a desperate situation arise, just listen out for the cranking-up of the volume of concern from the petrol heads in the West. Why do you think the US has both fists stuck in the pie?

Just my opinions ::)

TBH Ken -- your post is good and relevant but it is too deep a topic for a bike forum even from bunging in the odd flippant 'nukem' post ;)....

...you posted 'Will need to put a bit of thought into that question ' ... believe it Ken some of the finest 'brains' in the world has attempted to address the Jewish need for territory...it really does go back centuries even Alexander The Great had the problem as did the Persian empire and Rome..

..in recent history we British played a role in establishing Israel with the UN but the Arab nations have been very much against the establishment of a predominately Jewish state...for the Israelites to be at conflict with Palestinians over terriotory is quite difficult to fathom as the Jews are the ones who were given terriotory so their claims are in effect false and unsupported except that the US and UK seem to support them because they were the driving force behind the establishment of Israel.

Too deep, too complicated and too unsolvable Ken......let's talk about somat else as we will be going round in circles on this one...it is unfortunate people die but it has happened throughout the existence and nothing you say or believe will ever alter that it will continue so long as power is sought by groups/individuals and others oppose them.

phew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I needa beer ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Col

TBH Ken -- your post is good and relevant but it is too deep a topic for a bike forum even from bunging in the odd flippant 'nukem' post ;)....

...you posted 'Will need to put a bit of thought into that question ' ... believe it Ken some of the finest 'brains' in the world has attempted to address the Jewish need for territory...it really does go back centuries even Alexander The Great had the problem as did the Persian empire and Rome..

..in recent history we British played a role in establishing Israel with the UN but the Arab nations have been very much against the establishment of a predominately Jewish state...for the Israelites to be at conflict with Palestinians over terriotory is quite difficult to fathom as the Jews are the ones who were given terriotory so their claims are in effect false and unsupported except that the US and UK seem to support them because they were the driving force behind the establishment of Israel.

Too deep, too complicated and too unsolvable Ken......let's talk about somat else as we will be going round in circles on this one...it is unfortunate people die but it has happened throughout the existence and nothing you say or believe will ever alter that it will continue so long as power is sought by groups/individuals and others oppose them.

phew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I needa beer ;)

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Why ask me a direct question if you don’t want me to answer it Col? I’m confused. :-/

Are you saying that bikers are not intelligent enough to understand ‘deep’ and difficult global issues which affect us all in the 'global village'? :-?

Despite your claims, I think the number of reads on this thread shows that there is an interest in the subject matter.

Perhaps the moderators should consult with the membership to ascertain whether or not they wish to keep the Non-Bike Chat section on the forum? Or are you advocating censorship in relation to what topics/subjects are acceptable for discussion?

Whatever, I get the message and will say no more on the matter. :-X

We will enjoy a nice pint together at the party and have a deep chat about next year’s rides. :) :-*

carry on with it---it's your thread afterall Ken :)

so.....where is any affect on us ? we used to be involved but no longer....you suggesting the UK gets embroiled in another conflict to try and stop the killings or what ?
They got Blair the peace envoy afterall :-?

This could escalate in to a much bigger war
The powers that be are itching to start WW3

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Swanny

This could escalate in to a much bigger war
The powers that be are itching to start WW3

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Well at least that would bring an end to the doomsday protagonists and those of us left after the annihalation of 90% of the worlds population will be able to get on with our lives.

Would cut back on the pension payments as well

Was it something I said? :D ;) ;D

I'll get my coat :D ;) ;D


Roll on the WB Christmas party :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

'An animated film showing the endless peoples who have killed each other over the eastern end of the Mediterranean, all of them insisting God gave that land to them.'

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-evIyrrjTTY[/media]

It tells the story of the wars in the land called Israel/Palestine/Canaan/the Levant, since the cavemen until today, all so musical and poetic.

The Palestinians plan to ask the United Nations to upgrade their diplomatic status to become a "non-member observer state" on 29 November 2012 (tomorrow)

Foreign Secretary William Hague has suggested the UK is likely to abstain in the key vote.

For those who follow the plight of the Palestinian people you will know that a vote in favour of a UN status upgrade will be seen as a positive step forward for the Palestinian’s ambition for statehood. It is sure to open a door of hope for the moderates to follow an alternative path to violence to achieve their ultimate goal of a free homeland.

Most observers believe the US will vote against the motion, reinforcing my view, which I expressed in an earlier post that the US cannot and should not be involved as an active member of any independent mediatory authority in the troubled region.

For those on here who appear to be concerned about my apparent bouts of gloomy mood-swings, I am :) :) :) and 8-) 8-) 8-)

And why wouldn't I be with Christmas just over 3 weeks away :D ;) :P