The difficulty of getting to a two-state solution

I have been thinking about the situation in the Middle East and I came to a disturbing realization. I remember learning in Social Studies that when circumstances force two

groups of people to be in close proximity to each other that there are four ways for those groups to act toward one another. Those ways in order of the degree of tolerance and evolution of the relationship are: 1) Elimination - one or both groups try to kill off the other; 2) Segregation - the two groups share the proximity in segregated areas; 3) Assimilation - the two groups become less segregated and intermix; 4) Amalgamation - the two groups become integrated and may even intermarry.

Applying this to the situation for Israel, there are many who wish that a two-state solution could be quickly instituted. But, this represents a segregation solution while there are too many people (supposedly on the Palestinian side or at least the Palestinian side has not sufficiently divorced themselves from them) that are still saying that Israel does not have the right to exist and should be wiped off the map.

Clearly too many are still in the elimination stage. So, it seems the segregation stage will need to be earned by having Israel and allies of Israel eliminate enough of those that want Israel eliminated so that it becomes clear that Israel has the right to exist or at least it is realized that Israel is going to exist and the segregation solution (with independent and humane conditions in both segregated areas) can be strongly embraced by both sides.

I don't think the two state solution is viable yet. But, I hope it can become so. Unfortunately, it seems more bloodshed will be needed to make it viable.

John Captain

Antioch