Submitted by Vic, Aug 21, 2007 06:05

Having studied Palestinian society (in the territories) for the last 4 years I can say that Youssef's article is a very good analysis of the realities facing the Palestinians in the territories. The ex-pat Palestinian's ambitions can and do influence the going-ons therein - and internationally - unjustly, of course. The Pals in the territories have long been the pawns of Palestinian ambitions from afar. Destroying the Jews by proxy is the slogan of the ex-pats, without ever having to suffer the plight of those left behind in the territories. The collective identity of the Pals in the territories is that of a "nation of shahids (martyrs)" ever ready to pass into the next "fantastic" world (lets not confuse this with a conception of "dying" (for them))in order to: lets thing!!! seek peace, gain a viable Pal state, seek a right of return??? - no; that's the conquest of those outside of the circle. Those inside the circle seek Honour, Fame, Prestige - or the honour, fame, prestige and money that having your kid "martyr" him or herself brings. "Let's get you better first" is a very good closing statement from the author - even if he didn't intend it in the way that it comes across to me. The blunt anaalysis is that Palestinian society in the territories is very sick indeed. Hamas - Fatah - it makes no difference. The culture of death and spontaneous recourse to violence is now ingrained. How do we get them better first?

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