The 'road map' to peace is leading to nowhere

The 'road map' to peace is leading to nowhere

10 Sep 2003

The panel debate the motion: The 'road map' to peace is leading to nowhere. Chaired by John Simpson.

Arguing for the motion are Amos Elon, Karma Nabulsi and Dr Ilan Dr Ilan Pappé.

Amos Elon says that the 'road map' to peace is just like the Oslo Agreement (1993), since it postulates on a supposedly incremental peace process which plays into the hands of people who don't want peace at all.

Karma Nabulsi states that the 'road map' document itself is incoherent and ambiguous just when it needs to be clear. She questions the potential of the 'road map,' from the US involvement to the mere ideas that anything is better than terrorism and negotiation is always beneficial.

Dr Ilan Pappé criticises the Oslo Accord and says this bizarre 'road map' was produced by cynical politicians in Washington and Jerusalem. In his view, a strong pro-Israeli lobby in the US is looking for ways to support the most extreme Israeli policies of occupation and expulsion.

Arguing against the motion are Lord Weidenfeld, Sir Malcolm Rifkind and Dr Sa'eb Erakat.

Lord Weidenfeld believes the 'road map' to be the only possible alternative to catastrophe. He says that peace is still within reach, but that it needs the full weight of world powers. However, he states that the road block of terror must be removed before any progress is made.

Sir Malcolm Rifkind explains why the 'road map' has so far failed: because both Israelis and Palestinians are not yet ready to make the fundamental concessions that are needed. Rifkind admits that the road map is the 'only show in town', but points out that you cannot reject the road to peace unless you have a better alternative.

Dr Sa'eb Erakat says that in the next two decades the Middle East region will be subject to change, but asks how this change can be smooth. He states that we need a resolution of Arab-Israeli problem, and the introduction of democracy in the Middle East.

First Vote: 387 For, 175 Against, Don't Know 186

Final Vote: 317 For, 296 Against, Don't Know 33

The motion is passed by 21 votes.

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