'I don't consider them monsters' (Avnery)

[Scurrilous]

<snip>

"Uri Avnery returned this week from a demonstration in Bil'in, and immediately sat down to write his weekly article, as he has been doing for the past 50 years, as opinionated and energetic as a colt. The former editor of Haolam Hazeh (a now-defunct weekly newspaper) is 83 years old, writes on the Internet now, and says he has never had as many readers.

Former MK Avnery was surrounded by admirers beginning in the 1950s, but most of the time he was condemned and cursed, and even harmed physically, because he was considered a dangerous traitor. He was one of the first Israelis who understood that an Arab state should be established on the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip, and initiated talks with Palestinian leaders, including Yasser Arafat. During that period, the PLO refused to recognize Israel, and Israel refused to recognize the PLO. As the years passed, there was an increase in the number of Palestinians and Israelis who understood that the path represented by Avnery was the correct one. What was once considered in Israel to be lunatic extremism, and was even outlawed, became the country's official policy. That is why there is reason to ask Avnery about Hamas.

"We have returned to exactly the point where we were when the PLO refused to recognize Israel and Israel refused to recognize the PLO," said Avnery this week. "Total deja vu."

In that case, do you suggest talking to them, as you did in the past?

"Absolutely. I suggest that the Israeli government declare its willingness to conduct negotiations with the recognized representative of the Palestinian people, on the basis of existing agreements. If they want to come - fine. If they don't - we haven't lost anything."

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[catmother]

1. you know that sounds like a good idea. if they were elected

in a fair democratic election i think israel should speak to them and so should bush. bush is always pushing democracy so how can he refuse to talk to them? what if there were an election and al-quada was elected in a democracy?

i know it's late and i'm tired so maybe i sound nuts. just thought i'd add my 2 cents for what it's worth.:shrug:

[Erika]

2. W only talks to those he agrees with

It has notihing to do with if they were democratically elected. Much like in this country, he only speaks to supporters of his agenda.

The man is shallow and is certainly not a statesman.

[catmother]

3. well then he better keep his mouth shut about democracy in

iraq and other places. it's amazing how one man has screwed up so many things in such a short time. :shrug:

[Erika]

4. Agreed. W hasn't been in Iraq since he served the plastic turkey

to my knowledge?