To the Editor
An Open Letter to President Jimmy Carter
Dear President Carter,
Your article "Colonization of Palestine Precludes Peace" published in The Jordan Times [and here on Scoop] makes a well-reasoned and welcome exposition of the salient facts
regarding the Palestinian situation. In particular, it underscores the real problem to peace and stability in the area,
namely Israel's colonization and occupation of Palestine.
Your clear-sighted description of the dangers of Israel's intention of unilateral demarcation of its borders is apt, to
the point and is to be highly commended. I, as well as many others in Jordan and Palestine, am familiar with your work
throughout the world in conflict resolution and your commitment to peace and justice. We particularly appreciate your
efforts in Palestine-Israel.
However, Mr President, I have certain reservations about the emphasis of the three recommendations at the end of the
article. These recommendations do not seem to follow from the points so cogently set down in the article and appear to
be unbalanced. They place the onus for a solution primarily on the Palestinians, the victims of the colonization and
occupation.
You emphasize Israel's right to exist and live in peace but fail to mention the right of Palestinians to exist in
freedom and peace in a viable state of their own, although this should be the logical outcome of your exposition.
You specify that the killing of innocent people by suicide bombs or other acts of violence (by whom?) cannot be
condoned, but there is no mention of Israel's brutal occupation, targeted assassinations, home demolitions, imprisonment
and torture of Palestinians.
Finally, you describe the Israeli settlements on Palestinian land as "a major obstacle" whereas they are" illegal" and
contravene international law and UN resolutions supported by the USA.
Mary Atalla
Amman, Jordan