Experiment: People's Peace Plan Number 1

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Last update - 12:44 15/07/2008




Experiment: People's Peace Plan Number 1

By Bradley Burston

Tags: Burston, peace process


The following is the first in a new series of experiments, grounded in the belief that where world leaders, academics, diplomats, and acclaimed experts have been unable to formulate a workableplan for Mideast peace, concerned citizens of the world might just have a better way.

It is the outgrowth of a discussion on this space which engendered a surprising and gratifying number of serious comments and reactions.

I respectfully and fervently ask that respondents voluntarily observe the following guidelines in formulating their response, in order to clear this space for mutual respect and openness to dialogue. Therefore, please refrain from:

1. Racist remarks, as well as slurs on the basis of religion, ethnicity and gender.
2. Use of the terms Nazi, Hitler, to describe the actions and policies of Israelis, Palestinians or other parties to the Israel-Arab conflict.
3. Disparaging remarks, personal attacks, vulgarities and profanities directed at other participants in the forum.
4. Advocacy of violence against individuals or religious, ethnic or racial groups, including statements which may be construed as urging attacks on leaders, officials, security forces or civilians.


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People's Peace Plan Number 1


Formulated by Ray Knoeppel, a materials engineer from Hartland, Wisconsin.


The current peace process is not working well due to the closed-door nature of the process. This creates a vacuum of time which encourages radical elements and reduces the impact for moderates and countries that could support the process.

Here is my vision for improving the process:

As soon as possible reach an agreement on a vision for the peace plan along with a list of issues to be further resolved. Put this plan to a vote for all Palestinian and Israeli people. An affirmative vote would allow the final negotiations to begin.

Include charters in the peace plan which address concerns of the Jewish right and Hamas. In other words, include the right of Jews to settle in Palestine with safeguards AND include a mechanism for possible unification of Israel and Palestine (ONLY with majority approval of Jewish and Muslim populations).

My vision of a template for the peace plan is as follows:

Israel will commit to a West Bank footprint that is at least as large as the area encompassed in the 1967 borders. The current barrier is not the final border and the U.S./Europe will fund any removal and reconstruction of the barrier.

The city of Jerusalem will be jointly administered by Palestine and Israel. Ultimate control of the city will belong to Israel. Palestine will have control of entry for the Eastern Gates to the city. Palestine/Israel will have responsibility for people who they allow entry to in a manner like a company is responsible for its employees.



http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1002298.html