Israel/Palestine
In reply to the discussion: Israeli forces manhandle EU diplomats, seize West Bank aid [View all]azurnoir
(45,850 posts)Balad is a political party,[6] whose stated purpose is the 'struggle to transform the state of Israel into a democracy for all its citizens, irrespective of national or ethnic identity.'[7] It opposes the idea of Israel as a solely Jewish state, and supports its recasting as a binational state.
Balad also advocates that the state of Israel recognize Palestinian Arabs as a national minority, entitled to all rights that come with that status including autonomy in education, culture and media.[7] Since the party's formation, it has objected to every proposed state budget on the grounds that they have discriminated against the Arab population.
The party supports creation of two states based on pre-1967 borders, with the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem to constitute a Palestinian state[8] and the implementation of UN Resolution 194 regarding the right of return to Palestinian refugees.
Balad describes itself as a 'democratic progressive national party for the Palestinian citizens of Israel.'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balad_%28political_party%29
as to Raed Saleh did he replace Haneen Zoabi as your favorite go to example of Israeli Arab politicians? He's a talking head and yes has said some nasty stuff, but on the same order so have many Israeli politicians