On the eve of Mideast talks
Re “Israel agrees to free 441 Palestinian prisoners,” Nov. 20
As Israel continues to defy the rules of logic for a just peace with Palestine, some probably want to know exactly what is the difference between an “unauthorized” Jewish settlement in the West Bank and an “authorized” Jewish settlement in the West Bank. It seems that until the United States has the political will to enforce international law with respect to Israel, the rights of the Palestinian people to exist and establish a nation will remain on hold. Israel and its support groups continue to “game” provisions of international law that they themselves are violating.
David Seaman
Long Beach
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In this article, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert mentions President Bush’s 2003 road map. There have been other road maps and peace initiatives that have failed, and usually at the hands of Israel. Many Israelis do not want peace because it would require returning the West Bank to the Palestinians. Olmert is engaging in a propaganda campaign to keep Americans believing that Israel wants peace. I think people would be well served to begin questioning why Israel is never satisfied and always comes up with some excuse to reject peace offerings. We provide massive amounts of aid to Israel and get nothing in return.
Phil Karmelich
Anaheim
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On the eve of the Annapolis meeting between Israel and the Palestinians, a significant anniversary this week reminds us that with a willing partner, Israel is ready to negotiate and make painful compromises for real peace.
Thirty years ago, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat flew to Israel and changed history. Sadat’s visit paved a path toward Arab-Israeli peace and reconciliation that continues today. His assassination by extremists linked to the Muslim Brotherhood two years after he signed the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty was a blow to all dedicated to a future of coexistence in the Middle East.
The finest salute to Sadat’s legacy would be the vigorous advancement of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and a new era of regional cooperation and brighter perspectives for younger generations of Israelis and Arabs alike.
Seth Brysk
Executive director
American Jewish
Committee
Los Angeles
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