Should We Celebrate?

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          On May 19, 2004 the UN finally passed a resolution condemning Israeli atrocious incursion into Gaza and the demolition of Palestinian homes in Rafah. Our Palestinian leaders glorified the UN adoption of the resolution citing their pleasure with the US abstention from voting that allowed the resolution to pass. In a few days the Arab leaders will also meet in Tunisia to adopt similar resolution condemning Israel for its flagrant violation of international laws. Meanwhile Israel continues to commit massacre after another in Southern Palestine gaining more lands, getting ready for the next expansion. This has been the story of Palestine for the last fifty five years. Israel keeps extending its boundaries and uprooting the indigenous Palestinians while our "valiant" leaders boast about their political victories at the UN.

               Isn't it time that we try to reverse the process? Wouldn't be more beneficial had we gained back our lands and lost the public relation battle?  We would have thrived independently in our patrimony, as our people would not face daily extermination but enjoy planning for a better Palestine. Since we are labeled "terrorists" anyway, why can't we be normal "terrorists" living in our homes? Why can't we re-set our priorities? Well we can't, at least, not with the present leadership. Our leaders enjoy attending summit meetings and come up with resolutions that condemn Israel and return home while performing a victory sign to their public. Now they can go to sleep with a clear conscience, as they have predisposed their duties appropriately toward their people!  Their apathy to the massacres committed against the defenseless Palestinians should not disturb their moral duties as they have won a favorable resolution against such massacres.

                Isn't it time to tell the US to go to hell? Isn't it time that we tell our leaders the same? Isn't it time that we take over our sinking ship into our own hands and try to lead it to safety? No new leader can perform worse than the miserable status-quo. Are we still clinging to the false hopes brought about by Oslo and the "Road Map"? Are we so blind that we cannot comprehend the developments on the ground? Do we still believe that Sharon can extricate peace in any form? Do we as the US President believe that Sharon is a man of peace? Do we still believe that Israeli practices in Gaza and Rafah are of philanthropic nature?

                It's high time to reject all peace processes that compromise Palestinian national aspirations. It's time to refuse to meet with any US officials who represent the fanatic Israeli right. It's time to unite all Palestinian factions for the only route that should lead to our national objectives, namely armed struggle until total victory.