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At the United Nations last Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally laid out his vision for the “Day After” the war in impeccable English. Take a look at the maps he used on the UN podium to define victory: “The curse” and “the blessing.”
This polarity between “good and evil” will define U.S. Middle East policy for years unless the global initiative to end the war against Palestine moves forward. There is a slight chance that could happen soon. But it is not impossible, if the U.S. stops jawboning Netanyahu and starts acting in its own interest — secular democracies that avoid encouraging religious wars. Our secular democracy — enshrined in the First Amendment — was envisioned by our founders 245 years ago. Secular nations everywhere must be our vision now.
The key forum: the UN Security Council. The item: Norway’s “The Global Alliance for the Implementation of a Palestinian State and a Two-State Solution.” The key actor: The United States.
Israel will surely be opposed, at least with its current government. All other major nations that consider their core interests will find it attractive. If paired with a Middle East nuclear-free zone, that includes Iran.
The alternative — Netanyahu’s apparent vision — is using military might for regime change in Iraq, Syria and Iran. Countries on whose borders Netanyahu’s war will be fought include Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan. There will likely be civil war in the West Bank. Combatants will include religious zealots on all sides.
Netanyahu seems to assume that he can continue to manipulate U.S. public servants to fund and implement his vision. What sayest thou, President Joe Biden? Vice President Kamala Harris and candidate Donald Trump? Rep. Jared Golden and candidate Austin Theriault? Citizens in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District?
Peter Sly
Brooklin
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