Some Key Dates, Borders, and Questions
Some Key Dates, Borders, and Questions
A simple history with approximate borders and dates of the Southern Levant are below.
3500 BC The start of first recorded histories of civilization from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
1450 BC As civilizations grew, Cannan developed in an area between Egypt and Mesopotamia.
1000 BC The Cannan area evolves into Judah and Israel.
300 BC Egypt (Alexander the Great/Roman Empire) expands into the Cannan area.
1516 Taken over by the Ottoman Empire
1918 Britain forms Palestine as homeland for the Jews and Jordan.
1947 The UN adopts borders for Israel. Opposed by Arab countries.
1949 Arab countries invade. Israel defeats invading Arab armies and armistice lines established
1967 Arab countries invade. Israel defeats invading Arab armies and occupies Gaza Strip, West Bank, Golan Heights and Sinai.
1982 Israel and Egypt reach peace agreement and Israel returns occupied land.
2005 Israel leaves Gaza Strip. Hamas elected.
Questions
1. What dates and borders are "right?" Many parties can make claims of ownership and fairness. One example would be Native Americans who could argue that they should be given all of North America back as they were here first. My view is that for the sake of peace that the UN 1948 lines should be respected as that was the last time the world "agreed' to lines. Any change of lines would only be thru mutual agreement or as consequences (see below.)
2. If one country invades another should there be consequences and if so, what? My view is yes. If you invade and loose, you risk consequences such as loosing land or having your land occupied.
3. What if the invading country wins? My view is that as best as the world can, countries must work together to stop or reverse one country trying to take another country. I recognize that this may not always be possible due to strategic strength or importance.
4. Does Israel have a right to exist? Palestine was created by the British as a homeland for Jews when they were given responsibility for administering the Southern Levant an area previously controlled by the Ottoman Empire that was on the loosing side of WW I. The UN General Assembly approved the creation of Israel. Israel is a functioning democracy. Israel has always indicated they are happy to live in peace with neighboring countries. Unfortunately they have neighbors, foremost Iran, who have refused to accept the legitimacy of Israel of any form and who have a stated commitment to eradicate Israel. My view is they have the right to exit with the concordant right to defend themselves.
5. Do Palestinians have the right to exist? Yes. Israel is ~21% Palestinian and in Israel they have full rights of citizenship. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the west Bank have the right to live peacefully. They DO NOT have the right to continue to attack Israel and they risk loosing their rights to live as they wish in their territory if they continue to attack Israel. Arab countries surrounding Israel are FREE to allow as Palestinians to immigrate to their countries.
6. Is this "fair?" It seems as fair as denying Native Americans a right to reclaim North America.