Introduction
One of the greatest causes of indifference among human beings is conflict. Conflict is the main theme that has led to war, genocides and even holocausts which have wiped out some ethnic groups. Mostly the issues involved are those that could have been negotiated and dissolved. If all the parties involved in a conflict sat down, presented their ideas and grudges openly, then human beings would have avoided conflict. This essay is based on the book: Palestine and the Arab Israel Conflict: A history with Documents authored by Charles D. Smith. This essay will discuss the perceptions that both the Arab and the Israel people have towards conflict, how they have tried to solve it, the barriers that they have encountered and what can be done to resolve the conflict.
Basis of Conflict
Israel and Palestine have always been in conflict and at times at war since the Jewish state was founded and established in the Middle East and called Israel state. Israel is made up of Jews who escaped the holocaust in Germany and returned to their homeland in 1948(Charles, 2007). In 1967, war broke out between Israel and Palestine and the latter emerged beaten and after that they have constantly been embroiled in conflict. According to Charles (2007) Israel perceives the conflict to be based on the Islam religion. Arab nations have always wanted the whole world to have one faith: Islam. The Arab nations have used religion as a tool to base their attack on Israel since it has resisted their faith and instead has remained stuck to Judaism and Jewish. The Arab nations in the Middle East do not have respect or tolerance for anyone who does not have the Islam faith. They have decimated other faiths whose members have moved to Europe or America. They believe that Israel, the only non-Islamic nation should be converted to Islam or leave. Whenever the Palestines attack the Israelites, they also return fire. This goes under the teaching of Judaism: if one comes to slay you, slay him first (Charles, 2007). The Arabs believe that Israel took their land but even though Israel has tried to secede from their territories, the Arabs in the name of Palestine have never rested.
Conflict Resolution Methods they have used
The method both parties have used to resolve their conflicts is through negotiation. This is what has been the greatest barrier to reaching for an agreement. Both Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel and Mahmoud Abbas of Palestine should have each otherâs countryâs interests at heart. They should be open towards each other rather than wielding superiority on each other which at times aggravates the conflict.
Conclusion
In resolving this conflict, the Arabs and the Israel state should be more sincere towards each other. The demands of the Arabs are ever changing; they will point at the borders, Israel aggression, Israel religions who they regard as âinfidelsâ. On the other hand, the Israel state should adopt one solution and go for it in an unwavering manner no matter how radical its effects will be. Even though they have tried to keep within their borders still they are provoked and killed by the Palestines. The Palestine people should also stick to one problem and try to be tolerant to other religions. They should also consider using a mediator because direct negotiations have not worked for any of the parties.
References
Charles D. Smith. (2007). Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict: A History with Documents. 6th Ed. Bedford/St.Martin. Palgrave Macmillan.