The West Bank model
James Forsyth 12:34pm
At the beginning of Israel’s action in Gaza many claimed that it would bring down the more moderate Fatah-run Palestinian Authority on the West Bank. But it has not. Walter Isaacson of the US Palestinian partnership tells Jeffrey Goldberg that it is because the Palestinians on the West Bank can see what peace would bring that things have remained relatively quiet:
"There has been double-digit growth in the economy, and people have a stake in the future because of what Salam Fayyad and others have done to improve conditions there," Walter said. "And Israelis have responded by encouraging economic development. I think that people in the West Bank have a clear sense of what peace would bring them, and that's a prosperous state."
As Goldberg comments, “What was true before the Gaza incursion remains true now: The best hope for a two-state solution is a vibrant West Bank that could serve as a role model for the people of Gaza.” But Hamas’ opposition to a two state solution and commitment to the destruction of the state of Israel means that there will never be peace as long as it controls Gaza.
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JONNY
January 10th, 2009 1:53pm Report this commentSince the West Bankers are such models, maybe the Israelis might hand them back the land they've stolen.
Alison Weir
January 10th, 2009 2:51pm Report this commentThe Spectator should inform readers that Jeffrey Goldberg is an Israeli military reserve officer. His comments always are framed by his Israeli citizenship and bias, not on an accurate and neutral analysis.
adrian drummond
January 10th, 2009 3:10pm Report this commentThank you Alison. It really is a pity - if it is indeed true - that James could not have mentioned this out to Coffee House readers. But then again, is it any wonder?
Augustus
January 10th, 2009 6:13pm Report this commentThere is nothing remotely democratic about the Hamas terrorist regime in Gaza. They staged a coup and took control from the PA. Their Charter specifically seeks the complete destruction of Israel, as well as all Jews and 'unbelievers' throughout the entire world. They used a six-month truce to build tunnels at the border so they could smuggle in weapons and then broke the truce. There is no use whatsoever in talking peace with such loathsome creatures, and Israel will refuse to do so. They are perfectly justified in waging this war, and it will make a settlement with their Arab neighbours far more likely than if it had not been waged.
adrian drummond
January 10th, 2009 8:03pm Report this commentThank you also to Augustus, for your measured contribution to world peace. With comments like this, who needs the UN?
Lou Dacht
January 10th, 2009 8:20pm Report this commentJonny, who stole land from whom?
Alison, so you're not allowed to have an opinion then if you are Israeli?
Ben
January 10th, 2009 9:43pm Report this commentOK So if Jeffrey Goldberg is an Israeli Reserve Officer (and I dont know whether he is) But are you denying that there is double digit growth in the economy of the West Bank. Sounds like a good story to me.
But many of you obviously are not seeking good news coming out of the West Bank and would rather deny it even if it is trtue.
Michael Cowtan
January 11th, 2009 12:13am Report this commentMaybe if you want to form an opinion on Goldberg, you should read his blog, and particularly this piece.
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200805/israel
Paul B
January 11th, 2009 2:59pm Report this commentAdrian Drummond, you set the Spectator high standards. The speccie is an independent organisation that provides this web site for free. It has no obligation to be neutral. Do you demand the same standards from the BBC thats cost everyone with a colour over a 100GBP and does have a obligation in law to be neutral and balanced.
James, thanks for publishing the article, it provides a good balance to the bias that is spewed out hourly on the BBC News channels and other outlets.Augustus, well said sir, Hamas are a loathsome organisation and I wish the IDF every success in their campaign against them.
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