How bizarre to see an op-ed from Libyan Leader Muammar Qaddafi in The New York Times on January 22nd and how scary to have him weigh in as an advocate for a one-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
While it is hard to take seriously as a commentator on Middle East peace a man whose government sponsored the murder of 270 innocent civilians on Pan Am Flight 103 in 1989, we need to acknowledge that the argument for a “one-state solution” is gaining credibility and followers.
Of course, the “one-state solution” is no solution at all for Israel – it’s the formula for its extinction.
The only way to secure Israel’s future as a Jewish, democratic state is through the establishment of a Palestinian state living side by side with Israel. The two-state solution is the only viable way for the Palestinians to realize their legitimate national ambitions and for Israel to remain a democratic state, and a secure home for the Jewish people.
The two-state solution is on life support – so much so that many Israeli and Palestinian experts and officials warn that, without an infusion of serious American leadership, it may die on the vine. The argument for a one-state solution – like the one Qaddafi made in his editorial – will continue to gain support unless the United States, Israel, and the Palestinians make a vigorous push for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Thankfully, in the appointment of Senator George Mitchell, in Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s remarks at her confirmation hearing, and in the already clear Presidential leadership of President Barack Obama, we find hope that the U.S. is finally ready to offer the medicine needed to rescue the two-state solution. Perhaps, the moment for resolving these deadly conflicts peacefully and diplomatically has finally arrived.