the Settlements Part 2

If the violence is to stop then the Israeli’s must allow the West Bank to develop. Noting the examples set forth by developing nations across the globe, it is apparent that wherever violence, war, poverty, and a strong need for infrastructural stability converge, there is terrorism. According to the highly influential dictionary.com [insert facetiousness] the definition of terrorism: the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, esp. for political purposes. In some cases, terrorism manifests itself in an extreme form; as seen in the Israeli-Palestinian example through suicide bombings. Or, look to the example which instantly enters any American's mind when I say terrorism; airplanes flying into towers full of innocent people. Or in Somalia, where both the militia and government are ravishing the country to gain the upper hand against the other. In other instances terrorism appears in slightly less-discernible forms like Iraqi insurgencies and pipeline bombings in Colombia. The common factor in all these cases is the staggering presence of the societal problems listed above. In situations such as these a unique pocket opens within society. Political parties, individuals and social organizations step in to fill the gaps that the government leaves empty. Throughout history we have seen the Nazi’s/Hitler’s social platform promise a better Germany, the Muslim Brotherhood and Hezbollah step up as the active social organizations who provide public necessities for the poor, and countless other organizations who claim to help the people. Terrorism breeds here. I am afraid that no matter the conditions on either side (except of course in the extreme case that Israel completely takes back the West Bank in its entirety), then absolutely nothing will improve until a stable government and viable social benefits are available to the Palestinians. If people are clothed, well fed, and most importantly, educated, the present gaps that are drawing youth into these terrorist movements have a chance of being stopped, or at least significantly hindered. The new settlements in Jerusalem will not help this matter.