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Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2013/06/26/is-the-arab-israeli-conflict-really-about-economics/
Is the Arab-Israeli Conflict Really about Economics?
(Forbes) Alexander Joffe and Asaf Romirowsky - Palestinians are by far the world's largest per capita recipients of international foreign aid, having received more than $12 billion over the past 15 years. The international community also provides another $500 million a year to support Palestinian health, education and welfare services. But, as a new report from the World Bank notes, Western largesse has predictably bred Palestinian dependence and under-development rather than prosperity. The Palestinians reject economic investment and the possibility of self-reliance because it would require a negotiated settlement. Instead they demand welfare. UNRWA is part of the Palestinian welfare system that supports rejectionism and encourages dependency. Its almost 30,000 Palestinian employees, who perform tasks that rightfully belong to the Palestinian Authority, are paid for by the West. Alexander Joffe is a fellow and Asaf Romirowsky is an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Forum.