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Of course, solutions exist for the seemingly intractable Israeli and Palestinian conflict, if the protagonists commit themselves to mutual respect and non-violence. What is required is the resolve and honesty to find and implement them. The asymmetrical nature of the relationship requires the introduction of acceptable third parties to "keep their feet to the fire". Israel cannot be permitted to continue its police state methods on Palestinians and the Palestinians cannot be permitted to continue terrorist activities on Israel. The U.S. and the U.N. are the most likely third parties that could command the respect of both sides. Clearly, some power other than Israel must help to keep the peace, until the Palestinian Authority is able to hold its own in security and policing matters and the Israelis mustalso be held responsible for obeying international law with respect to treatment of Palestinians.

It is absurd that Israel has managed to brainwash so many in the West into believing that they never do anything wrong and that all problems only originate with the Palestinians. That is like blaming the assault victim for being attacked viciously by a criminal who sustains minor wounds and pressing charges against the victim. Of course, there are ugly things that happen on both sides, but all credible statistics and impartial observers show that Israel invariably inflicts disproportionate violence and retribution on the Palestinians. Since Israel has a well organized government and military, it has been able to institutionalize its abusive methods. Being less well organized and not as well trained, the Palestinians have gotten very frustrated and some have adopted guerrilla tactics. Obviously, that causes terror for Israelis. Both sides must be restrained, as their feelings are intense and longstanding.

What is absolutely obvious is that the Israeli government cannot be assumed to act fairly and appropriately towards Palestinians, due to the extensive documentation of blatant abuse.
The Israelis have used their superior force to inflict outrageous and perverse suffering on the Palestinians, such as forcing over 100 Palestinians/year to give birth at checkpoints, because Israeli security refuses to allow emergency safe passage to hospitals for Muslims. Also, the torture and criminal assault perpetrated on Palestinians is simply ignored by Israeli officials. Unfortunately, the unequal treatment based on religion has a basis in the Talmud. That is why Israelis must not

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