P
lan for Arab-Israeli Reconciliation
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SUMMARY ********
The PAIR Initiative is divided into Parts I, II and III. Each part contains multiple topics arranged in modular form. Where details are too extensive to be contained within Parts I, II and III, readers are then referred to a corresponding entry in the Appendix.
Part I of the plan argues that the present approaches are fatally flawed and cannot bring peace. It demonstrates why the Roadmap cannot work and is bad for both Arabs and Jews. It makes the case that all outside proponents of the Road Map, including U.S. officials, by their past performance have demonstrated their lack of qualifications to dictate solutions to both parties. It demands full recognition for Jewish rights while preserving legitimate Arab rights. It is essential that old thinking must first be completely discredited and discarded to open the way for consideration of fresh ideas and a true win-win solution.
Part II outlines a phased, peaceful, long-term resettlement solution with compelling reasons for its support. The Palestinian Arabs would be offered a far better future than under any competing plan. Many related issues are addressed. One glance at the map of the Middle East virtually shouts out the logical solution. Twenty two Arab states already have 99.8% of the land and can easily accommodate resettlement of their Palestinian Arab brethren with ample land for them on which to live and thrive in their own independent state. Jews with only 0.2% of the land also need more space, not less space, and space that is also free of hostile Arabs, so they too can live and develop securely in a State of Israel that can permanently maintain its Jewish character.
There are no practical reasons why an orderly and peaceful resettlement plan cannot work, and work smoothly. Given the right attitudes this conflict becomes among the most easily solvable. And Saudi Arabia is a prime candidate to offer 35,000 square miles, comprising only 4% of their vast territory, for a Palestinian Arab State which would be 15 times the size of the West Bank and Gaza combined. It is now time for the Saudi rulers themselves to ‘take a risk for peace’.
Present approaches are inherently impractical, illogical and small minded. What is needed is fresh thinking that is bold, optimistic and even visionary so that the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will be able ultimately to reconcile with the descendants of Abraham, Ishmael and Esau. Nothing less can succeed.
Part III provides examples of the larger beneficial implications for both parties, for the peoples of the region and beyond. An immense amount of human suffering would be ended and a prime pretext for anti-Israeli hatred would be removed. Beyond that a living model for future progress within the Arab world, and even the larger Muslim world, would be created. A strong and secure Israel would now be free to make its own positive contribution to the region and on the world scene as well. A new momentum would be created for social and political reforms that are urgently needed throughout the Arab societies. And a vast cooperative project to totally transform the region by converting the vast deserts into productive fertile lands along with huge forests. This task alone would create a vast project requiring millions of local workers engaged in wholesome, productive, labor for many decades to come.