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By El Conde on Saturday October 13, @12:03AM
from the Who cares if it's a pipedream dept.
RAMALLAH, West Bank (JNS) _ Palestinian intellectuals are calling on Yasser Arafat to seize the opportunity presented by the United States’ coalition-building needs and take the moral high-ground with a nonviolent push for immediate statehood.
``I’m talking about some good, old-time, Gandhi-style, nonviolent, passive resistance,’’ said Ibrahim al Salam, a political science professor at the University of Palestine. ``A salt march to the sea, maybe a hunger strike for the victims of the World Trade Center and the intifada, but no rock throwing, no chanting, no flag burning.’’
``It’s time to turn the other cheek, and our back on terrorists. That’s the way we can show gratitude for recognition of our statehood.’’
Full cooperation with the hunt for terrorists will also show the United States that Palestine is willing to be a good neighbor on the international scene. Peaceful rallies, perhaps a nonviolent march in violation of travel restrictions, will show Palestinians are determined to have their own country, but are willing to live side-by-side with Israel, and even allow Israeli settlers to remain as Palestinian citizens.
``Hell, we might even throw in a love-in, 60s style,’’ al Salam said. ``If they mow us down, we’ll all be martyrs in paradise, but with a `Love American Style’ twist.’’
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon could not be reached for comment. Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said he was a great admirer of Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, and was encouraged by the remarks.
``Remember what Martin Luther King said: `Gandhi was inevitable. If humanity is to progress, Gandhi is inescapable. He lived, thought and acted, inspired by the vision of humanity evolving toward a world of peace and harmony. We may ignore Gandhi at our own risk."
Posted by Alex at August 08, 2002 11:49 PM