Two-state solution in Mideast

Don’t all good people want a solution bringing peace and justice to end the long-running Arab-Israeli conflict? Wouldn’t that be the two-state solution: a Jewish state (Israel) and an Arab state (Palestine) living as neighbors in peace and security? Former Sen. George Mitchell, who helped bring peace to Northern Ireland and was special envoy to the Middle East under three presidents, stated on NPR there is no credible alternative to the two-state solution.

How do we attain that solution? It will be a long and difficult path and on the way we will face urgent situations. When we respond to urgent situations, we must keep in mind our long-term goal of achieving the two-state solution. We don’t want short-term responses that impede and delay reaching the long-term goal because, over time, that will mean more deaths, more injuries, more suffering.

Recently, Hamas publicly executed 18 Muslim Arab Palestinian Gazans accused of collaborating with Israel. There were no trials, no due process of any kind; the intent was to warn Gazans to toe the Hamas line. This example of Hamas justice means they cannot be a partner for peace. Giving in to Hamas’ demands would only delay attaining peace and justice.

Howard Glass

Spokane