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A new vision for the Middle East

By Alice Aslan - posted Friday, 9 July 2010


For instance, Egypt which helps Israel with the siege on Gaza Strip, and Saudi Arabia, an unconditional ally of the US and Israel, deserve as much condemnation as Israel itself regarding the plight of Palestinians. The example of Turkey’s tough stance against Israel following the recent flotilla attack, and also putting long-term diplomatic pressure on Israel are the only ways to genuinely help Palestinians.

Arab and Muslim countries cannot forever blame everything on colonialism, imperialism, Israel and the US. They need to learn to take responsibility for the peace and stability in their region. This is only possible by creating a new vision for the Middle East based on building democratic, secular societies with human rights and minority rights.

Nations with strong civil societies can much better negotiate their rights against an imperial power, and make better use of their own natural resources for the common good. It is important to isolate the hardliners and extremists on every side, and build trust between Arabs, Jews, Muslims and others to provide long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.

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In this new vision, Israel can also have a respectable place - on condition it recognises the land rights and human rights of Palestinians.

It is time to build bridges, not to burn them. Arabs, Jews, Muslims and all the other ethnic and religious minorities should co-operate. If everyone does the right thing, even the Middle East can change, and become the coolest place on earth.

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About the Author

Alice Aslan is an artist, thinker and activist passionate about arts, culture, ideas, justice and wildlife.

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