Overcoming Obstacles to Peace Talks Between Israel and Arabs

I agree with Gerson’s statement that “terrorism is not the issue.” I don’t believe it ever was.

The real issue when it comes to a dialogue with the PLO is the recognition, finally, of the existence of the Palestinian people. The real fear of the PLO on the part of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir and his government is not related to terrorism at all.

It is an ideological issue. Recognizing the PLO means recognizing the people it represents, the Palestinians. When this takes place, a whole lot of issues must be addressed. For example: It will be--as is now--repulsive on the part of the Israelis to assert for themselves the same rights they denied and continue to deny other people. It will be unjust that Jews receive reparations from the Germans when Jews don’t do the same to their Palestinian cousins. Israel will look too arrogant advocating the right of Jews to emigrate to Israel while denying the Palestinians the right of return.

In reality, like it or not, the Palestinians do exist. If the United States is to be effective in its peace efforts, it must come to grips with these same issues. It is very hypocritical on the part of the world leader for freedom, human rights and independence to pursue these ends all over the world except in the case of the Palestinians. Americans have no reason to block the Palestinian movement for freedom and independence. Our principles burden us with the obligation to aid such a movement.

I believe that President Bush and Congress should grant PLO leader Yasser Arafat, or other Palestinian representatives, the same reception and forum we granted ANC leader Nelson Mandela of South Africa recently. Their movements and causes are identical.

SAMI M. ODEH

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