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Israel is a relatively young nation. It doesn't even have a constitution yet! However, it has managed to set the scene on the global stage for the Middle East. It is the local powerhouse without equal. Before 1948, there was only Palestine, under protective mandate of British control. However, there was rule by law then, imperfect to be sure, but not unfairly swayed to one religious or ethnic group. All that changed with Israeli statehouse. At the core of Israel's "raison d'etre" is to be the homeland for Jews. That has been misconstrued into being a fascist nation of overlords, complainers who always blame someone else and give excuses for why it is really okay to deny human rights, property rights and civil rights to the Palestinians, who used to own the land where the Israel is located.

There will never be peace for Israel until it is willing to play by the same rules as the rest of the world. That has been at the core of Israel's international problems sine the beginning. Israel has had a tendency to say one thing, but do another. Certainly, the Palestinians have also fought back and done provocations, but they don't exercise the real power. The Palestinians have been pushed around, discriminated against, violated by authorities and denied economic and political freedom, etc.

This is a cancer within Israeli society. Unless Israel is able to be receptive to Christians, Muslims and others, it causes people to believe that Israel is not willing to provide equal rights. Israel holds tens of thousands of Palestinians prisoners, many without charges, in violation of International Law. Israel has used torture as a mechanism of state control of Palestinians, in direct contravention of the Geneva Convention and International Law. When Israel decides that it wants to play by the rules of civil society and be a normal part of the world, it should endorse equal rights for all human beings.

When Israel sets up programs to ensure that all residents are treated equally with respect and care, then progress could be possible. Because of the heavy handed treatment of Palestinians by the Jews, the abuse has become standard operating procedure. Of course, Palestinians do fight back and even provoke Israel. However, the history between Israelis and Palestinians makes it clear which has been the aggressor. Why can't Israel be a land of peace?

Learn more about this author, Robert C. Sage.
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