ICPTR

Unlike those who write for propaganda, we should not confuse the Palestinian issue with the Jihadist issue. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is purely geopolitical, and has nothing to do with Islam or being a Muslim. Unlike the Jihadists, the Palestinians do not fight in the name of God! The other issue is that arms don’t solve problems; if some people think that they have done so, it should not be forgotten that they also fuel extremism and beget hatred. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the New US President favor Smart politics. In our case (that of those who write and read to support peace as well) we should favor Smart writing. What I have read in so many pieces is not smart. We need to write to bridge gaps, not to widen them. We may think that force can force peace, but deep inside we know that it won’t bring comfort, neither to one community nor to the other, and certainly not to the rest of us. Words are very powerful and their echo can reach beyond targets. For the sake of our common humanity and our children, let us write to unite and not write to divide.

This piece was a peronal reaction to a larger piece that was sent to me. Click on the following link to access it: info. Perhaps, it is helpful to read it bearing in mind the idea of smart writing as a way for promoting peace and not adding to the already existing conflict. For peace to be promoted, there is a need to bridge conflict gaps not widen them. Unlike the message posted by ‘info’ our message is that we should not confuse the Palestinian issue with the Jihadists issue. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is purely geopolitical, and has nothing to do with Islam or being a Muslim. Unlike the Jihadists, the Palestinians do not fight in the name of God. The other point that I would like to add is that arms may flirt with a problem but they don’t solve it. If some think that arms have ever solved the Israeli-Palestinan conflict, it would be hard if not impossible to prove it. The conflict is still with us, regardless of who won or who lost, for in this context, if there is a gain it is but a gain in human loss. Loss of human lives only begets hatred and fuels extremism. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama have favored Smart Politics. In the case of those who work for peace and not against it, we should also, in our turn and respective positions, favor Smart Writing and use it as another peaceful tool to contribute to peace initiatives and promote peace. What I have read in the ‘info’ piece is not Smart. We may think that force can force peace, but deep inside we know that it won’t bring comfort. Smart Writing can bring comfort to both sides, as it can positively change hearts and minds for the benefit of all. It saddens me always when people write for propaganda, as much as I am saddened by the death of Israeli and Palestinian people. I hope that soon my Israeli and Palestinian friends can live not only in peace but also in harmony. YES, WE CAN!