Moussa: Israel has no say in regional security before two-state solution

[ProgressiveMuslim]

League chief calls for adopting Arab Neighborhood Policy
By Wassim Mroueh
Daily Star staff
Friday, March 19, 2010


KASLIK: Arab League Chief Amr Moussa stressed Thursday that Israel will not have a say in the security, present or future, of the region before it agrees on the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 territories with East Jerusalem as a capital, adding that such a step should be officially recognized by the UN.

“Israel should also withdraw from occupied Golan Heights, remaining seized Lebanese territories, and provide a just solution for the problem of the Palestinian refugees based on the right of return and compensations,” Mousa said.

Moussa made his remarks during a ceremony marking 65 years since the founding of the Arab League on March 22, 1945.

The event, convened by the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), was attended by Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Ali al-Shami, representing President Michel Sleiman, USEK rector Father Hady Mahfouz, director of the USEK Higher Institute of Political and Administrative Sciences George Yahchouchi, vice president of al-Walid Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation Leila al-Solh Hamade, and Kesrouan MP Farid al-Khazen.

“I speak to you amid clear Arab regression manifested in cultural and educational decay and a weak Arab contribution in the world’s march toward a new technologically advanced globe characterized by respecting human rights and democratic systems” Moussa said....

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http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=112927

[MUAD_DIB]

1. As much as I detest the Israeli mistake of illegal settlements I would have to say

that a great start for most of these Islamic countries would be to shut down their madrassas, institute a policy of grating women equal rights and bring about democracy. Iran, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, others have a long way to go in complaining about rights when their own people are under the control of either a monarchy or authoritarian government.

The whole region needs to grow up.

[ProgressiveMuslim]

2. Egypt and Syria operate madrassas? Really?

[MUAD_DIB]

3. I didn't say that, but they are authoritarian.

There were three sentences there.

...that a great start for most of these Islamic countries would be to shut down their madrassas, institute a policy of grating women equal rights and bring about democracy.

Iran, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, others have a long way to go in complaining about rights when their own people are under the control of either a monarchy or authoritarian government.

The whole region needs to grow up.

I also take issue with the Israeli ultra religious schools. It doesn't matter which side of the fence you are on. Producing right-wing religious nutters is just wrong.

[aquart]

4. True. Good luck.

[ProgressiveMuslim]

5. Democracy based on the rule of law in the Middle East would be a beautiful thing. Too bad the US

doesn't see that in our interests there...

[MUAD_DIB]

6. It's not all the blame of the USA, but it does share a responsibility in it.

Iran, 1950.
Support of the Saudis.

Pakistan is a hopeful example, but there is a long way to go there.

Lebanon is fragile.

Egypt?

Yemen?

Syria?

Iraq? Time will tell, but the USA shouldn't have invaded.

[ProgressiveMuslim]

7. Look at what the US did in Palestine. Democratic elections overturned.

The US preference for friendly dictators is well known. Lookat Iran. Look at Egypt. After Iraq the US has learned that even UNFRIENDLY dictators are better left alone.