Peace Requires A Very High Road

Marcus Gee paints a compelling justification for Israel’s actions in Gaza by highlighting the litany of poor choices Palestinians have made over the past few years. However, Eric Margolis notes in his article that repeatedly bombing and punishing Palestinians is not going to achieve anything.

The Middle East is similar to a theme we’ve seen played out in Africa, Afghanistan and many other failed states around the world. Usually these states are left destitute and bereft of progressive and capable leadership after foreign occupations or military incursions, bad luck or neglect from the developed world. Like poor neighbourhoods in a city, gangs take over in representing the people with an agenda to antagonize (whether authoritarian or democratic, their leadership is a compromise). Until help is given to ensure security and development, a cycle of violence is sustained. A very high road must be taken by the West to balance protecting itself without escalating the cycle. This means measured responses to provocations balanced with sustained support for positive steps towards peace and development. The Middle East needs to get back on the high road.