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The language of Violence
The falsehoods fueling the Middle East crisis are implicit in the language of the debate; the “cycle of violence”, “partner in peace”, “the generous offer” and, now, the equally mendacious “window of opportunity”. These euphemisms are minted in Israeli think tanks with the expressed purpose of obscuring the facts on the ground, that is, ongoing occupation and repression. The language becomes the window through which the world sees the conflict, but the view is distorted by the corrupting influence of political bias and sloganeering. Outsiders cannot be expected to grasp the issues without clear analysis and transparent language.
Window of Opportunity?
Sharon’s unilateralism doesn’t represent a “window of opportunity”, but continued frustration and conflict. Just last week, he refused to even send low-ranking representatives to the Palestinian conference in Britain. Does that sound like a leader who respects the collective will of 80% of his people?
Of course, not.
So, what does “window of opportunity” actually mean?
Regrettably, Sharon’s actions tell us exactly what it means. It means that Abbas has been given an ultimatum to rein in the violence and disarm the militias or else. In return, Sharon will reward him by stopping the targeted assignations, ceasing the housing demolitions, releasing a small number of the prisoners and removing the settlements from Gaza. The only concession Sharon has made in this new arrangement is to stop killing Palestinians and stop destroying their property. It doesn’t mean that Sharon will work on the key issues of “right of return”, sovereignty, borders, water, airspace or settlements. Sharon remains staunchly opposed to negotiating with the Palestinians and that will not change. So, in this context, the “window of opportunity” simply implies that the Palestinians will be given the opportunity to lay down their weapons and surrender.
Some opportunity!
The real objective continues to be a negotiated settlement that respects the legitimate security needs and political aspirations of both parties. That will only come about by replacing the language of lies with the language of peace; calling things by their real names and tearing down the illusions that are propagated by political elites.
The “cycle of violence” embraces a sense of hopelessness that Israeli leadership wants to perpetuate so they can achieve their narrow (territorial) objectives. These are not the goals of the Palestinians or the Israeli people, but of a small minority trying to impose their will on the majority. The language is intended to manipulate public perceptions and, thus, increase support for unpopular policies. It’s up to all of us to see through smokescreen state-sponsored deception so the obstacles to negotiation can be removed and peace can finally be realized.
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