HEY, FELLAS...THE UN AND ISRAEL DON'T MATTER:

Palestinian Moves Reshape Attitudes (BILL SPINDLE, 9/26/11, WSJ)

The Palestinian bid for United Nations statehood, whatever its outcome, is already helping reshape Palestinian attitudes to expect less of negotiations--which most feel have failed to deliver after nearly two decades--and embrace a more confrontational stance toward Israel.

That could mean challenging Israel using boycotts, demonstrations and international diplomatic forums more aggressively--ideas that are gaining currency among young Palestinians. In a year when peaceful demonstrations have radically altered the political landscape of the Arab world, they increasingly embrace notions of nonviolent resistance. [...]

[M]any Palestinians, especially youths who make up the majority of the population, see the U.N. bid as something else: a sharp break with a peace process and the beginning of a new era.

They want their leadership to actively challenge Israel for sovereignty over the West Bank, though not necessarily through an armed struggle. "We're hoping to have a state. Checkpoints should be dismantled. Palestinians will patrol where Israelis do now," said Ahmed Aqtish, a 24-year-old mechanic.

Just declare statehood, hold national elections and act like a state and you are one.

Posted by oj at September 26, 2011 6:47 PM
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