How the Palestinians lost their way

Since Israeli-Palestinian coexistence is inevitable, both sides must choose between living in peace orperpetual violent conflict not delineated, and in Palestinian maps the ‘state of Palestine’ covers the entire landmass from the Mediterranean to the Jordan River. In the studies of Palestinian refugees, the blame is placed squarely on Israel for causing the catastrophe, al-Nakba, which is being inculcated in the mind of young pupils. the continuing occupation only reinforces what these young students are misled to believe. that is, the Palestinian leadership linked the fortunes and the future well-being of their youth to the destruction of Israel. As such, successive Palestinian generations condemn Israel for their misfortune which is constantly reinforced not only due to lack of genuine efforts on the part of the Palestinians to find solutions, but also because the longer the conflict persisted, the more it became intractable. At the present, the two sides are further apart than they were 30 years ago when the oslo Accords were signed.

FoR the past 75 years, the Palestinians have raised four generations of aspiring youth who, like their counterparts in Israel and other advanced countries, dream of growing and flourishing while making their own mark by contributing to their community’s and their country’s prosperity and growth. they have failed not because they are incapable, or less talented, or unworthy of success: they have failed because their leaders failed them. Palestinian leaders failed them due to their shortsightedness, misguided policies, and unwillingness to accept Israel’s ineliminable reality. As such, they have played directly into Israel’s hands by threatening its very existence, which provided Israel with the rationale and justification for continuing the debilitating occupation.

Ironically, during the 75- year-old conflict between the two sides, Israel became a global power, a leader in every sphere of science and technology, with a powerful economy and formidable military, while millions of Palestinians are still languishing in refugee camps. If this does not demonstrate the utter moral and political bankruptcy of the Palestinian leadership, I don’t know what does. thus, their insolvent policy only compounded their youth’s despondency and despair for which they conveniently blame Israel, giving rise to militancy and violence against a country with which they must coexist.

From the onset of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 1948, the Palestinian leadership adopted a policy of resistance and confrontation against Israel. Even at times of relative calm, the persistent denunciation of Israel on various issues, especially in connection with the Palestinian refugees, Jerusalem, and the Israeli settlements provided a constant reminder to every Palestinian youth that Israel is the obstacle that hinders their progress and shatters their dreams.

IndoctrInatIon In schools: the indoctrination of Palestinian youth begins from a very young age in schools; it is one of the most potent ways to sway the minds of the young, and get them to believe whatever they are taught. In essence, Palestinian schools have become in part laboratories for anti-Israeli disinformation both through the teachers and textbooks. For example, in history books Israel is depicted not only as an occupying power that must be resisted, but as having no right to exist at all.

In geography books, the 1967 borders are

As Mark twain observed in his autobiography, “When even the brightest mind in our world has been trained up from childhood in a superstition of any kind, it will never be possible for that mind, in its maturity, to examine sincerely, dispassionately, and conscientiously any evidence or any circumstance which shall seem to cast a doubt upon the validity of that superstition…” to be sure, in schools the Palestinian people are portrayed as being the victims of a brutal power. the misinformation and the selected truth about the conflict with Israel passes from one generation to the next, and today Palestinian youths view Israel the way their parents have, as an irreconcilable enemy to be resisted at all costs.

BraInwashIng through puBlIc acrImony: Whereas the anti-Israel schooling is poisoning the minds of the young, it continues to be reinforced by the Palestinian leaders’ acrimonious public narrative against Israel. the day-to-day public denunciation of Israel further resonates in the minds of the young and they become increasingly in tune to resistance, rather than reconciliation. this state of mind is further bolstered, especially when they hear from extremist Palestinians leaders, such as Hamas, and the media about Israel’s ruthlessness which will not end until Israel is soundly defeated.

Moreover, disunity between extremist groups such Hamas and the more moderate Palestinian Authority makes it impossible for the latter to moderate its public acrimonious narrative against Israel, fearing being accused of appeasing the Israelis. Indeed, rather than preparing the public for the inevitability of peaceful coexistence and engaging in constructive public dialogue, they are poisoning the political atmosphere by promoting the belief that only the destruction of Israel would liberate the Palestinians from the bondage of occupation, allow them to reclaim the land, and restore their national pride and dignity.

FaIlIng to Invest In natIon-

BuIldIng: the Palestinian leadership’s dismal failure to dedicate itself to nation-building made it impossible for hundreds of thousands of young people to find respectable employment, which kept them deprived of decent wages to support themselves and denied them a dignified life. tens of thousands of young Palestinians cannot pursue higher education because more often than not they are forced to find menial jobs to help feed their families. thus, idleness and the lack of any prospect for a better and more productive life radicalizes many Palestinian youths who become disposed to join militant groups where they are embraced, feel respected, and are rewarded for their willingness to join the fray against Israel. basically, they escape from their imprisonment in a life of despair as they are lured to go to a ‘new prison’ where they presumably find meaning to their lives. As Aldous Huxley cogently stated, “It is perfectly possible for a man to be out of prison and yet not free — to be under no physical constraint and yet to be a psychological captive, compelled to think, feel and act as the representatives of the national State, or of some private interest within the nation, want him to think, feel and act.” exaltatIon oF martyrdom: Many young Palestinians who feel left out without any prospect of living a normal and productive life often search for a greater meaning to their lives and are swayed to believe that they can find in death the salvation that eludes them when they are alive. Martyrdom is glorified, especially when the cause for which they sacrifice themselves is for the good of the entire Umma (nation). the Quran makes many references to martyrdom including the following: “think not of those who are slain in Allah’s way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord; they rejoice in the bounty provided by Allah….” (3:169). the problem here is that the Palestinian leadership, especially the extremists, do not preach for peaceful coexistence; instead, they praise acts of violence and terrorism against Israel, and honor the perpetrators’ courage and valor in sacrificing themselves for the greater cause of national liberation. thus, for a multitude of young Palestinians, killing Israeli Jews and ridding themselves of the occupation has become a holy mission as if it were sanctioned by Allah. they seek martyrdom because they truly believe what they are told, that they will rejoice in heaven instead of continuing to be humiliated and mortified on earth. mIssIng opportunItIes to make peace: From the time Israel was established in 1948, the Palestinians missed many opportunities to make peace. the late Israeli foreign minister Abba Eban put succinctly when he stated: “the Palestinians never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity,” a fact that prevented a multitude of young Palestinians from enjoying the fruits of peace and becoming constructive players in nation-building who are able to take pride in their achievements. this is how the Palestinians lost their way. As they continue to revel in the illusion that they can destroy Israel, they in fact are sowing the seeds of their own destruction. It’s time to wake up before they forfeit the next generation’s chance to live in peace and realize their dreams and aspirations to prosper in their own country, which they richly deserve if only given the opportunity. the retirees are being penalised even when they are not at fault as they have been regularly paying the 1pc share of contribution to EobI, which is now refusing to entertain their pension claims. the EobI management should stop being vindictive and should start honouring the claims of new retirees, who are now also among senior citizens.

Starting with their refusal to accept the uN partition plan in 1947, the Palestinians have indisputably missed a number of opportunities, but it will suffice to name only a few. Following the Six Day War in 1967, the Palestinians turned down Israel’s offer to return all the territories captured in war in exchange for peace (with the exception of the final status of Jerusalem). In 1977, the Palestinians rejected the invitation to join the Israeli-Egyptian peace negotiations which could have resulted in in an Israeli-Palestinian peace along with the Israeli-Egyptian peace agreement signed in 1979.

At Camp David in 2000, the Palestinians missed another historic opportunity and walked away the last minute when a comprehensive agreement was afoot. the most violent uprising—the Second Intifada—that began a few months later stunned the Israelis who concluded that Palestinians are simply not interested in peace. And finally, in 2007-2008 the Palestinians once more walked away from negotiations, this time over a disagreement in connection with percentages of land swaps. Since then, largely under Netanyahu’s and Abbas’ leadership, no substantive peace negotiations have taken place, and sadly a fourth generation of Palestinians is now flagging between corrupt dictatorial leadership, self-destructive extremism, and no prospect for any meaningful life. Neither the Palestinian Authority nor Hamas have any plans or strategy that will bring an end to the most destructive conflict to which they have subjected their youth for 55 years and counting.

In 2005, the government had made an amendment to the Eob Act, whereby the basis of paying the contribution was changed from certain percentage of a fixed amount to six per cent of the prevalent minimum wages. It declared that the term ‘Wages’ means the rates of wages as declared under the Minimum Wages for unskilled Workers ordinance, 1969.

After the devolution, the federal government is unable to make any amendment to the ordinance of 1969, applicable to all the provinces, as its authority is confined only to the ICt. A few months ago, EobI increased the amount of contribution payable by the employers in its online portal from 6pc of Rs13,000 to Rs25,000; an increase of 92pc. As per the decision, 1pc of the contributory amount was to be shared by the insured employees.

As the revised amount of minimum wage of Rs25,000 fixed under the ordinance of 1969 is applicable only to the ICt, 75 employers based in Sindh challenged the revision before the Sindh High Court (SHC) through the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan. In its interim order, the court asked the employers, who are party to the petition, to deposit the amount of EobI contribution with the court till the final disposal of the case.

As the last month’s contribution has been deposited in the SHC, in compliance with the latter’s order, EobI has retaliated by not accepting the pension claims of new retirees from the petitioner companies. this act of the EobI officials is highly unjustified and undignified, while it also constitutes a violation of the SHC’s order.

AHMAD KHAN KARACHI

Arming people isn’t the right way ahead

tHIS is with reference to the editorial ‘Call for arms’ (Jan 27). It is unfortunate to say that the government has abdicated its responsibility by employing private workers or individuals to fight street crimes. Handing over its duty in sectors like health and education is quite different from letting private workers take over law and order situation in a city.

the scheme, People’s Chowkidari System, introduced by the Sindh government under which arms and ammunition were distributed among watchmen in Naudero, seems to be an illogical step. Instead of launching a crackdown against street criminals in society, the residents are being armed to fight dangerous thugs, while it is actually the job of the police.

Despite being the largest and one of the most so-called developed cities, Karachi is the one plagued by street crimes the most. It looks obvious that the manner in which street criminals operate without any fear that they are involved in terrorising citizens with the ‘cooperation’ of lawenforcement agencies. It would be better to have a professional police force having personnel recruited on merit, having advanced training and arms, rather than leaving the citizens on the mercy of ruthless criminals who have no remorse even if they kill people on even the slightest of resistance or even displeasure expressed by their victims.

People are not trained for law-enforcement, and having gunfights with hardened or trigger-happy criminals is not their job. the provincial government must raise a professional and efficient police force capable of dealing with the criminals instead of shifting that responsibility on to hapless citizens.

MAZHAR YOUSUF ANSARI HYDERABAD

KPPSC affairs

tHE recently declared result of Provincial Planning Services (PPS) cadre has raised many questions about the credibility of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission (KPPSC). Many candidates, myself included, who secured good marks in the written examination have been awarded zero marks out of 50 in the interview. Does that make any sense at all?

I possess a higher degree (MS) than the required qualification and have four-year relevant professional experience in the development sector. I have previously got good marks in the interview in all my previous appearances in the KPPSC, and have topped one of the lists. Had I been given only passing marks in the interview, I, and many others, would have made the cut without any difficulty. on the other hand, some candidates, who have got comparatively less marks in the written examination, were given 35-45 marks in the interview out of 50. the aspirants work hard to prepare for competitive examinations in order to get a respectable job. they expect to be treated judiciously and justly without any undue favour being given to the fellows in competition. the careless marking criteria certainly dishearten many aspiring candidates who question the credibility of the KPPSC. the top officials of the KPPSC must be held answerable for the abrupt marking system of awarding zero to high-scoring candidates and awarding 35-40 marks to the low-scoring candidates. the higher authorities should also take notice of this practice.