Hamas – the key to Peace?
May 10, 2011 | Sharyn Mittelman
In Amin Saikal’s article “Palestinians’ High Hopes” (May 6) he naively describes the Fatah-Hamas unity pact as likely to enhance prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace. In fact, the effect is very much likely to be the reverse.
Saikal, like some other analysts, implores Israel to negotiate with Hamas and insists the internationally-designated terrorist group has become “pragmatic.” Yet he makes no suggestion that Hamas should be required to amend its Charter to recognise Israel and abide by the pre-conditions for participation in the peace process established by the International Quartet (the UN, US, European Union and Russia) in 2006. Hamas has refused to accept these eminently sensible pre-conditions for a seat at the table, namely: recognition of Israel, renouncing terror and accepting all previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements and obligations.
Israel: Celebrating 63 years of independence
May 9, 2011 | Arsen Ostrovsky
On 10 May, that little slither of land, Israel, about one third the size of Tasmania but burdened with decades of unremitting attacks on its very legitimacy and existence, celebrates her 63rd year of independence. There are good reasons why many Australians should celebrate that.
We could talk about the historical bond between our two nations dating back to the ANZACS. A bond that is underpinned by our shared commitment to freedom and democracy, and respect for women’s rights, gays, minorities and the rule of law. We could celebrate that we are both thriving multicultural states that have successfully absorbed and integrated millions of refugees and immigrants from around the world.
And it wouldn’t hurt to reflect on the irony that Israel’s Arab citizens enjoy more rights, freedoms and liberties than do their neighbours in any number of Middle East nations – where they are currently dying while fighting for these very same rights and privileges.
That perhaps explains why despite the sea of violence, uncertainty and uprisings currently gripping the Middle East, Israel continues to be the sole oasis of stability.
Bin Laden’s bloodied prints have stained the globe
May 6, 2011 | Colin Rubenstein
OSAMA bin Laden’s demise has dealt a severe blow to Islamist terrorism, achieving a measure of justice for its many global victims.
Notorious as the mastermind of the September 11 terrorist attacks, his bloodied fingerprints stain al-Qaeda-linked terror the world over, from Bali, London, Madrid, Mumbai, Pakistan and Jakarta to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and beyond.
He waged war on thousands of innocent civilians – including many Australians, Jews and Muslims – for an ideology, Islamism, which promotes a religious duty to fight all in order to create a worldwide caliphate based on an idealised version of seventh-century Arabia.
‘Partner for peace’ has strange way of showing it
April 18, 2011 | Colin Rubenstein
The Palestinian Authority’s actions speak louder than words. As Jews around the world prepare to celebrate Passover, the Palestinian Authority has offered its own unique gift to the Jewish people honouring Hamas terrorist Abbas Al-Sayed, and in the process, demonstrating yet again why genuine peace is so elusive.
Human rights? Surely you can’t be Syria
April 14, 2011 | Arsen Ostrovsky
In a recent letter to the President of the UN General Assembly, Syria’s mission to the UN said “promotion and protection of human rights are of the highest importance to Syria”. The actions of the Syrian regime, however, speak otherwise.
Goldstone defames Israel with his Gaza stance
April 13, 2011 | Arsen Ostrovsky
Israel’s ‘guilt’ had in fact already been pre-determined before the world even knew of Justice Goldstone, when the original resolution establishing the fact-finding mission declared Israel had committed “grave violations”.
Israel will pay price for Gaza report fiction
April 12, 2011 | Colin Rubenstein
Unfortunately, Goldstone’s change of heart cannot undo the massive, irreparable damage he and his co-commissioners have inflicted through their report.
Toothless body’s fixation with Israel is misplaced
February 28, 2011 | Colin Rubenstein
It might surprise some to realise that even Gazans – frequently typecast as the greatest victims of Israeli “oppression” – have a lower infant mortality rate than Libyans, a higher life expectancy and standard of living than Egyptians and higher literacy levels than Bahrain.
Twitter no more than a tool for taking on tyrants
February 21, 2011 | Daniel Meyerowitz-Katz
WITH the fall of Hosni Mubarak and Egypt’s supposed transition to democracy, the buzz on everyone’s lips has been the role of new media in the mass protests. Commentators around Australia and the globe have been heralding the arrival of technology as a cure for any political ailment.
Integration the key to multicultural success
February 18, 2011 | Colin Rubenstein
Australian multiculturalism is a policy that has served us well and, properly weighted between our rights and responsibilities, can further help us resolve pressing social challenges. If revitalised and renewed, it will continue to benefit Australia’s harmony, diversity and cohesion.
