Linkage

This is a tremendous article by Dan Fleshler about "linkage" between the Arab-Israeli conflict and the problems American has in the Middle East, including domestic terrorism.

Too many Israeli and American Jewish leaders have a problem with the L-word, "linkage." They reflexively denounce any suggestion that progress toward Arab-Israeli peace will help America solve its own problems in the Middle East. They should change their approach, because what they are doing not only ignores reality; it harms American and Israeli interests.

The rejection of the L-word is often prompted by denial of the tragic, obvious fact that U.S. support of Israel is one the main reasons why Muslims throughout the world despise Americans. [...]

Recently, this mentality was demonstrated by the hue and cry over the report by the Iraq study group led by former Secretary of State James Baker and former U.S. Congressman Lee Hamilton. It asserted that America "will not be able to achieve its goals in the Middle East unless the U.S. deals directly with the Arab-Israel conflict." The authors believe that in a time of widespread, anti-American rancor on the "Arab street," a U.S.-sponsored, Israeli-Arab peace process would make it easier for leaders of relatively moderate Sunni states to join America in a coalition that could help stabilize Iraq and isolate Iran.

Israel has held the occupied territories for forty years now, no? Forty f---ing years! I can't think of another occupation lasting this long, but maybe there are other examples. It would seem that if they really wanted "peace" they could have had it by now.