Reply #15: The U.S. needs to stay neutral...

[LeahMira]

Until the US takes a real interest in finding a solution to Israel/Palestine there is no hope.

I disagree. I think the U.S. needs to keep out of that conflict... or at least remain neutral. If the Israelis and Plaestinians are interested in peace talks on neutral territory, of course the U.S. should offer them a comfortable and safe venue. If either nation has products to sell or wishes to buy products made in the U.S., of course those transactions should go forward. If the U.S. is handing out foreign aid money, of course both countries should receive a share... but a share that's as equal as we can make it. Certainly we should not be offering military hardware to either side.

There isn't going to be any solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict until both nations agree that a solution, of whatever sort, is preferable to the situation they have going on at the moment. One that's pushed or enforced by the U.S. is only going to cause resentments from one or both sides and is doomed to break down sooner or later. The Bush Road Map, for instance, is a recipe for disaster that will simply not work for anyone.

Individuals in the U.S., however, can certainly support the Palestinians and the Israelis who are interested in finding a solution by supporting those groups in the U.S. that are supporting peace. Americans for Peace Now, the Tikkun Community, and the Jewish Peace Lobby are some of these groups. They are organized mostly by Jewish people, but welcome anyone who is interested and supportive. I'd think that a google search would come up with some Palestinian groups working from the U.S. for peace also. As with any group, though, potential donors and supporters need to check out the group's credentials.