Who are they kidding?

national | miscellaneous | news report Thursday April 18, 2002 17:00 by Jenny - in Dublin

(edited version)

Powell's visit to the Middle East was a bone that the U.S. threw to the international community. They wanted the world to say: "Oh, look, the Americans are doing something about the troubles." Powell was sent to appease growing international criticism of Israel. Judging by the secretary of state's actions, it does not look like the US had any sort of plan for easing the tensions or stopping the IDF from attacking civilians.

In reality, Powell did nothing for the parties involved, he merely demanded that there be a "ceasefire". It is the equivalent of asking the oppressed Palestinians to die quietly. Allow me to quote Sam Bahour's chilling words when he commented about a previous Powell visit back in November, 2001.
"Today, Secretary Powell's words seem equivalent to that of a policeman walking past a rape victim, still pinned under her assailant, and verbally scolding both parties by advising them to work out their differences."
Sam is more optimistic than I am though and goes on to say:
"Nevertheless, America has spoken. Israeli occupation must end. Palestinians have a legitimate right to self-determination. All have a right to live in security."

Meanwhile the injustice continues. The question that comes to mind is: "Will Palestinian nationhood die out like it did for the native inhabitants of America -- or will it finally lead to the creation of a long-awaited state, as in the case of East Timor?"