The problems of the world are not simple. They cannot be fixed with band-aids, hugs, or pious platitudes. They must and can be fixed with dedication to the idea of compromise and the vision for a better future for everyone, not just oneself and their constituents. As was expressed in Daniel McAllister’s curt editorial in the Sept. 6th issue of the Daily Free Press, the problems of Israel and the occupied territories can be solved so simply, and, predictably, all of the responsibility for those necessary changes, fall on the shoulders of the Israelis. There are countless issues to confront, none of which fall under the rather uninformed tent of Mr. McAllister’s argument. There is more religious freedom within Israel for its citizens (of all faiths), some would say, than there is in this country. The occupied territories, as Mr. McAllister seems to forget, are the result of a war waged against the Israelis in 1967, that the Palestinians, after losing said war, wanted to dictate the terms for afterwards. And there are real, difficult problems (Israel’s antagonistic settlements policy, Yasser Arafat’s economical and moral corruption and ineptitude, Hamas and Islamic Jihad’s unwillingness to stop terrorist attacks even if the West Bank and Gaza fall under Palestinian control via a peace agreement). These are difficult issues that need solving. They won’t be solved by celebrating or allowing terrorism because you may believe in the cause. They won’t be solved by only trying to win or be right or get the most out of the resolution. They will be solved, when, once and for all, people see the problem as difficult and complicated, and get to work on solving it, as opposed to making it just go away.
Timothy Aaron, COM ’01
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