The balanced, constructive approach taken by the Mitchell Commission to the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be applauded. To its credit, the commission recognized that neither side has a monopoly on the fear, hatred, anger and frustration that have come to characterize Israeli-Palestinian relations over the past several months. Rather than dwelling on casting blame, the report provides a broad outline for the sides to move the parties past their present conflict to end the current violence, rebuild confidence in each other and resume negotiations for peacefully resolving their differences. Peace Now, housing construction in the settlements has greatly exceeded demand. Nearly 10,000 dwelling units are vacant now.
Further construction serves no useful purpose, only a symbolic but provocative one.
If peace is ultimately achieved, one condition is sure to be the abandonment by Israel of most settlements or their integration into the state of Palestine. Further, I believe it is absolutely vital for both sides to renew their commitments to foster mutual understanding and tolerance and to abstain from incitement and hostile propaganda, as the report suggests. If these ideas are implemented, along with the recommendations to improve the economic and social situation of Palestinians, then it may be possible for the two sides to return to the negotiating table. I urge the Bush administration to make every effort to help the two sides implement the steps put forward in the Mitchell Commission Report. When the House passes legislation to remove all environmental restrictions on oil drilling so that Dubya's fat-cat supporters can make more billions, we need someone who will vote to prevent the bill from passing the Senate.