Government Legitimacy: Protecting Human Rights In The Arab World

By Briana Booker

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a government legitimacy conflict.

Why?

The protection of human rights by government is not being upheld.

A rule of law that protects human rights of Palestinians and Israelis has implementation potential (whether a one state or two state solution).

Which statehood would truly legitimize Palestinians and Israelis’ human rights?

There are two proposed state solutions. One is a bi-national state where the two groups agree to power-sharing but have distinctive collective identities within one polity.

The other proposed solution is a single democratic polity where ethnic and national distinction would not exist between civilians.

What state do I believe would work best in the long-term?

I think the single democratic polity without ethnic distinction would work best because it removes collective entitlements and focuses more on personal rights. Individual rights are components of universal human rights we can all appreciate. It’s America morals.

Individual rights are components of universal human rights we can all appreciate.

I feel an Israeli rule over a Palestinian majority is out of the question. Peaceful resolution can never come from schemes of coercion.

Prominent Zionist leaders did favor a Jewish rule over Palestinians such as Chaim Weizmann and Chaim Arlozoroff.

This idea reminds me of racial movements and separatism in America.

I do believe a well-balanced political institution of Palestinians and Israelis is an effective conflict resolution.

This political process can begin with training the youth to focus on social/political compromise for the greater good.

If neither group has over representation in political institutions, ambiguity about ill intentions towards one group could be prevented.

The core problem between Palestinians and Israelis is accepting unilateral actions as the only means of getting their needs met.

Unilateral actions are the reason bi-nationalism has failed in history.

If human rights are the focus, it could legitimize the needs of both groups. Empathy for others can transform foes into friends.

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