(Baltimore Sun) Shaukat Malik - The Palestinian problem has not stopped some Muslim countries from dealing and having diplomatic relations with Israel. This engagement and recognition has yielded peace dividends and allowed these states to focus on economic development and the well-being of their peoples. Instead of identifying common bonds shared by Muslims with their Jewish and Christian brothers as fellow children of Abraham, religious clerics are busy infusing young Muslims with hatred especially for the State of Israel and Jews in general. Pakistan can empathize with the plight of the Palestinians, but that does not mean it should not recognize Israel. Pragmatism must override emotionalism. Recognizing Israel is in Pakistan's national interest. The writer is a Muslim-American CPA from Pakistan living in the U.S. since 1980.
2010-04-16 09:10:36Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive