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Palestinians Reject Pragmatic U.S. Peace Plan
(The Australian) Dr. Jennifer Oriel - The U.S. government presented a plan for Israel and the Palestinian territories that acknowledged the equal right of Israelis and Palestinians to a nation that reflects their different cultures, aspirations and hopes for the future. It took aim at leaders who advance the cause of ideology at the expense of people's welfare. The plan draws a distinction between Middle Eastern leaders. The first group includes ideologues and theocrats who use religion to create discord and excuse ineptitude. In the other category are leaders who work to create the conditions conducive to the flourishing of their people, especially economic opportunities. On the face of it, the new deal provided ample opportunity for Palestinians to thrive. It proposed a new state substantially larger than the territories under Palestinian administration today. It offered a generously funded plan for nation building. However, Palestinians are reared to believe they are an oppressed people of a colonized state. Jihadi groups capitalize on any perceived slight to emphasize the sense of perpetual victimhood. PA President Mahmoud Abbas rejected the plan outright but has not presented an alternative vision.