The Palestinian leadership…to where?

Unlike Haniyeh and Meshal, you have demonstrated moderation, patience, and a genuine intention to seek peace with Israel based on a two-state solution, and you have legitimate grievances resulting from the seemingly unending and debilitating occupation.

In a recent interview, you wisely condemned the so-called 'Knife Intifada,' as the random stabbing and killing of innocent Israelis severely undermines your cause and rallies all Israelis behind the government's iron-fisted response, regardless of what precipitated this rampage.

I agree that Palestinian frustration and hopelessness drives this kind of violence, which is largely attributed to the unending occupation. Still, the cold-blooded murder of Israelis only makes matters worse and overshadows the reason behind the "revolt" against the occupation.

Although the Palestinians are enjoying increased political and economic support from the international community, they offer only a symbolic recognition of Palestine, which is still far from being a functional, independent Palestinian state and an active member of the community of nations. I would avoid the following measures that you have contemplated at one time or another.

Going to the United Nations for recognition may succeed, but no viable state will rise unless it is fully negotiated with Israel, and all parties agree on a permanent peaceful solution.

Threatening to end security cooperation with Israel only reverses years of collaboration, which is essential during the peace process and even more so once peace is established, as it offers the best means by which to sustain peace and prevent radicals from sabotaging it.

Resigning from your office and dismantling the Palestinian Authority is no better option. Though Israel will be burdened by assuming the mammoth responsibility of de facto running another country, you may be playing into the hand of a huge Israeli constituency who seeks to annex much of the West Bank and prevent the creation of a viable Palestinian state.

What you have not given sufficient attention to, however, is civil disobedience, which is perhaps the most effective way to change the dynamic of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There is no better time than now to embrace non-violence to make your case.

Civil disobedience-which requires immense courage, patience, discipline, and inner strength-will prove to be far more potent than any violent act, provided the Palestinians never preach or resort to violence regardless of intimidation, even if violence is used against them by Israeli forces.

Civil disobedience must take the form of collective peaceful non-cooperation while focusing on the Palestinians' state of affairs, which can only bestow a strong moral component to the cause.

As Dr. King put it: "An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law."

Civil disobedience includes tactics such as: engaging in silent protests in front of checkpoints and along the separation barrier, staging peaceful demonstrations (especially by Palestinian women) and large solidarity marches, and occupying strategic public places.