Solving the middle east problem: naturalizing the palestinians

[Bullet Magnet]

This thread is pretty straight forward. Many among us fear the naturalization of the palestinians in Lebanon while some in the west seem to think that this could solve the Middle East problem.

I would like to hear your opinion on: How would naturalizing the Palestinian in Lebanon solve the middle east crisis? ... or exacerbate it?

thanks,

[jiugiusti]

Originally Posted by Bullet Magnet

This thread is pretty straight forward. Many among us fear the naturalization of the palestinians in Lebanon while some in the west seem to think that this could solve the Middle East problem.

I would like to hear your opinion on: How would naturalizing the Palestinian in Lebanon solve the middle east crisis? ... or exacerbate it?

thanks,

I, myself, don't think that Isreal is ready for peace in the time being but I might be mistaken.

So, if the palestinian authorities accept the naturalization in lebanon, Hariri and HA as well and openly, I think that the christians/Druze will accept as well only on one condition: Federalize the country.

Or a big war is on its way - and a smaller one in lebanon- which will reshape the whole ME.

[SeekNirvana]

Originally Posted by Bullet Magnet

I would like to hear your opinion on: How would naturalizing the Palestinian in Lebanon solve the middle east crisis? ... or exacerbate it?

First off, I believe that there should be enough incentives for the Palestinians to accept the naturalization. For an ideological group like Hamas, naturalization of the Palestinians is not a great scenario as they will be moving away from their ideology. This ideology is what exactly got them their place in the current Palestinian political scene.

Second, there doesn't seem to be a Lebanese consensus on that matter. At least two thirds of the population are heavily opposing the idea and unless an incentive is there for those to accept it, there is a high probability that they will stick to their current opinion.

Now regarding the naturalization itself, it surely solves some problems in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict (keeping in mind the argument about Hamas above), but however I fail to see how it can bring more stability to the whole Middle East when the Lebanese do not seem to agree on the Palestinian presence.

Now, elsewhere, in Jordan for example, naturalization is a fait accompli and now more than half of the population is somewhat tied to Palestine (either naturalized Palestinian Jordanian or Palestinian refugee). In countries where there are no major religious diversity such as Jordan, Tunisia or some other Arab countries (where no Shiites exist), the process can be easier if those countries are in need of the human capital. However, would the Palestinians in Lebanon for example move to those countries? Highly unlikely, because it conflicts with the ideology. It will be interpreted as part of the Israeli plan.

Concerning the West, I tend to disagree that such a stance can be taken by the US in the time being. With all the pressure on foreign policy, a controversial issue such as this one is probably unable to make its way with so many stakeholders unsatisfied.

my 2 cents ...

[Amirkani]

Originally Posted by Bullet Magnet

This thread is pretty straight forward. Many among us fear the naturalization of the palestinians in Lebanon while some in the west seem to think that this could solve the Middle East problem.

I would like to hear your opinion on: How would naturalizing the Palestinian in Lebanon solve the middle east crisis? ... or exacerbate it?

thanks,

Any blanket process to naturalize the Palestinians in Lebanon will perpetuate the conflict within Lebanon as well as with the Israelis and the Palestinians themselves... and it will even exacerbate the conflict not just perpetuate it. It will be an open conflict with no holds barred.

I, for sure, will stop at nothing to try to prevent it as will many others. This is one thing about which I can easily say "over my dead body".

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[DL]

Let us assume that we have naturalized the Palestinians - how can we solve the following issues:

1. Israel demographic problem that needs a solution. Will they export more Palestinians to be naturalized elsewhere? A recipe for future disasters.

2. Israel water needs. One might say that this could be solved by buying water from Turkey or de-salinating the sea. Then how come Israel always steals or is stealing Lebanon's waters?

3. Israel's biblical "promises" - how can you convince the Haredims (and other orthodox jews) that it is OK to relinquish aims in other countries? If they gave up Gaza, that is because it has no value in Biblical terms. But will they give up the West Bank, parts of Jerusalem, claims in South Lebanon? Naturalization does not serve this one too!

4. Israel foundations: as a society, Israel needs wars and cannot continue without them (check what Grossman said yesterday) - if peace comes, they will blow each other into pieces for all the differences they have (race, religious sects, secular - non secular, Saphardim - Ashkinaz, ec.). Naturalization will not solve this problem also..

I can state other reasons why naturalization solves nothing but the mentioned above are good for now!

[Marwan077]

The palestinians are our brothers but Lebanon can not support 500 000 new lebanese of palestinian origin ,it will change for ever the face of Lebanon.
They should find refuge in post asad Syria,forget the asad disaster track record ,Syria is a rich land and has the ability to absorb them without any problem.

[Stella]

Lets face it, the government has no idea how to solve this problem, nor is willing to bother with it too much!

Even if the Middle East peace process would resume, would that guarantee a solution for the Palestinians living in Lebanon? I doubt so.

But at the same time the government cant just remain passive regarding this issue, at least they shall find a solution on the social and economical level.

[LebArmenian]

ill join my voice to Amirkani and say , Over my dead body ..


BUT what about the ones who have lebanese mothers ?

i know many who curse their grandfather for not taking the lebanese ID in the 50's ( armenian palestinians )

[Lebanese_Nationalist]

The Palestinians were naturalized in Jordan but that didn't solve anything. They still fought with Yasser Arafat to help overthrow the Hashemite Monarchy. Naturalizing them in Lebanon would give them political rights that Lebanon cannot afford at the present time. For example, Palestinians would use their political rights to drag Lebanon deeper into the Arab-Israeli War. Imagine a Palestinian being eligible to be the prime minister.

[METALLICA]

Originally Posted by Bullet Magnet

This thread is pretty straight forward. Many among us fear the naturalization of the palestinians in Lebanon while some in the west seem to think that this could solve the Middle East problem.

I would like to hear your opinion on: How would naturalizing the Palestinian in Lebanon solve the middle east crisis? ... or exacerbate it?

thanks,

I don't think naturalizing the Palestinians in Lebanon can solve the ME crisis, far from it.

There are way too many Lebanese who wholly refuse the idea, the Palestinians themselves wholly refuse it. The only side that supports it is the US/Israeli front.

Thankfully in this case, this means half of Lebanon will blindly say NO, the right answer, very probably for the wrong reasons.

But when you look at the 'well' being of the Palestinians living in Lebanese camps. The neglect they live in, they have absolutly no services from the Lebanese government. I think we should start providing them with basic services regardless of the decision to accept or refuse naturalization.
I am ashamed to be Lebanese when I read about the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.

However, my main concern is that too many people have grudges against palestinians in Lebanon, whereby the moment they become Lebanese citizens (if ever) there will be very high tensions in ALL of Lebanon. A lot of people still consider the Palestinians a legitimate enemy, and will not accept this enemy becomes a fellow Lebanese.

No for tawteen.
for all our different reasons.