This initiative, Stop the clash of civilizations, comes with a snazzy video and is from Res Publica and MoveOn.org. It’s well-meaning perhaps but more than a bit naive as well as being clueless about what’s actually happening in the Middle East.
Talk is rising of a ‘clash of civilizations’. But the problem isn’t culture, it’s politics â┚¬â€œ from 9/11 to Guantanamo, Iraq to Iran. This clash is not inevitable, and we don’t want it.
Well duh, of course the problem is politics,. But that’s not something that can be whisked away by a feel-good video implying the differences are just misperceptions and all we need is a big group hug, a patronizing view, especially when coming from those outside the situation.
So where to start? The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the key symbol of the rift between Islam & the West. It’s time to step up and take the initiative.
Add your voice below and when leaders meet in late March, our message will be delivered in a way they can’t ignore.
Petition to Israeli, Palestinian & international leaders: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies at the heart of a global clash threatening to divide us all. People from every corner of the world want a just and lasting peace in the Middle East – and the international community can and must help bring all sides to the table. Start Real Middle East Talks Now, and stay at the negotiating table until we have peace.
They’re right about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict being at the heart of discord in the Middle East. But again, saying everyone should just stop being knuckleheads is simplistic and offensive to those involved. Like there haven’t already been years of attempted peace talks. Nor does this initiative mention any of the real political differences, something that needs to happen for substantive discussions to occur. Nor does it mention the core issue, that Palestinians were driven off their land by violence, have never received compensation for that which was stolen from them, and want to return.
This typical I-feel-your-pain liberal blather oozes concern but presents no actual solutions. The video is well-produced and fun to watch, so check it out if you want, but don’t expect any real action to happen because of it, except maybe getting fund-raising emails from them.