Yours is an interesting assessment, and for the most part I agree with it. However, I fear you are somewhat optimistic concerning the softening of relations between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Arafat has seen to it that the future generations of Palestinians will continue the violence.
Their version of "Sesame Street" has children marching and singing while wearing the stylish pretend bomb vests. It's really quite amazing when you see it and watch the eight year olds talk of the "Zionists" as some lower life form, and wanting only in life the opportunity to rid the land of them.
The Palestinians are in it for the long haul.
its the revolutionary styled extremists that are in charge and theres not much room for free speech or dissent in palestine. i do honestly believe that a sizeable portion (though what size exactly is debateable) of the palestinian population dont care as much for the 'extras' as much as they want to see israeli tanks out of their streets, and they want to travel to work without roadblocks and having guns pointed at them.
make no mistake, whatever the justifications, whatever you can say about israelis safety, its not very safe being a palestinian - if you take away that 'occupation' element, then you are removing part of the source of the extremists power. those who just want to work and take care of their families will have their needs met. those who have more extreme desires will find themselves more out of step with a part of the populace, who no longer feel threatened, controlled or occupied.
see, i dont think the majority of the populace is 'naturally' extremist. but while the environment is hostile, the extremists are more their allies and protectors than ever. the extremists use the percieved injustice of israeli control to ensure support from the populace.
yes they may still hate jews and americans, but given autonomy and the basic concessions of removing the settlements, the extremists hold on the populace will weaken. how much, im not sure. is it enough? i dont know that either. i think israel should keep the spoils of its war, though. thats fair.
you know, its a shame arafat couldnt make that final step at those last peace talks before the infitada. if he had we would all be looking at him in a different light... its his great failure, missing the opportunity to give peace to his people and israels. the idiot.
Yer right about the brainwashing, but I do sincerely believe that HATRED can be overcome by allowing the parties to intermingle over time. While it's worse than the schism between blacks and whites in the 60's, there's a lesson to be learned from those battles over Civil Rights. Increasingly, I expect to see outrage and scorn heaped upon State-sponsored HATE JEWS education throughout the Islamic World...eventually, the Fear and Loathing will subside.
FReegards...MUD