The root causes of jihadist terrorism are political and economic, not religious. In fact, the Koran prohibits Muslims from being violent towards those who are innocent. Just as with Christian, Jewish and Hindu terrorists, they are confused and misguided. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and desperate poverty are key issues. These are old issues that have government leaders have not taken responsibility to resolve.

Israeli politicians do not want to resolve issues with Palestinians, because they do not want to give up occupied lands or even compensate for them. With help from the US, Israel has pursued military superiority over its neighbors and make disproportionate responses. Palestinians in Israel are denied basic human rights in violation of International Law and the 1948 International Human Rights Declaration. This is only possible with the support of the US, which is guaranteed by the pro-Israel lobby, consisting of American Jews, neo-conservatives and Evangelical Christian Zionists. This is an open secret known to all American politicians, since AIPAC and its allied groups are the enforcers of this through directed campaign contributions.

Violence against Israel has practically disappeared from Egypt and Jordan, following peace agreements with Israel and a key factor is the large sums of American foreign aid. Similar arrangements could be made for the Palestinians, with the political willpower on all sides. Repeatedly, peace agreements have been tentatively made with Palestinians and Syrians, the remaining protagonists, but Israel continually changes its mind. What many conveniently forget is that the terrorist tactics used by the jihadists, were previously used by the Jews in their campaign for the establishment of Israel. It is sad that both sides use violence to pursue political objectives.

It does not have to be this way. However, if there is to be peace, it must be fair and just. So far, Israel has held out for unfair advantages. It is no wonder that Palestinians have been radicalized. It will take significant efforts and investment to regain their trust. Most of the American people would agree for us to play our part, but our governmental leadership has been terrorized by the pro-Israel lobby's history of vendettas against any politician who does not support their agenda. Our Middle East foreign policy has effectively been hijacked and most American may not even realize it. Anyone who objects is blasted as antisemitic.

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