I was one of the leaders of the "Supine" BMA who led it out of the
WMA because of the readmission of the Apartheid- ridden Medical
association of South Africa. Unlike Dr. Summerfield I am old enough to
remember the root cause of the Israel-Arab conflict and why the refugee
camps were established, and maintained. In 1948 the Arab League armies
invaded Israel, and their radio urged Arabs -not Palastinians- to leave,
and return behind their "victorious armies".
No one disputes many Palestinians suffer terribly, and their lives
are miserable. Those languishing in camps could have been rehabilitated by
the wealthy Arab states many years ago but they were political pawns in
the long term aim of destroying Israel. Persistent attempts to destroy
Israel militarily failed, but the dogma, formulated at Khartoum in 1967,
of no recognition, and no negotiation - of and with Israel- is still the
basis of their policy and actions.
I have sympathy for the Palestinian's plight. I have equal sympathy
for those in Israel, and elsewhere, whose lives are blighted by the
constant treat of suicide bombers and other terrorists. Much as I
dislike the government of Ariel Sharon, sadly I accept that, at present,
the "Wall" and its offensive presence is necessary.
When rational people on both sides decide to do it, the Palestinian
"problem" will be solved.
Rapid Response:
"Servile" BMA
I was one of the leaders of the "Supine" BMA who led it out of the
WMA because of the readmission of the Apartheid- ridden Medical
association of South Africa. Unlike Dr. Summerfield I am old enough to
remember the root cause of the Israel-Arab conflict and why the refugee
camps were established, and maintained. In 1948 the Arab League armies
invaded Israel, and their radio urged Arabs -not Palastinians- to leave,
and return behind their "victorious armies".
No one disputes many Palestinians suffer terribly, and their lives
are miserable. Those languishing in camps could have been rehabilitated by
the wealthy Arab states many years ago but they were political pawns in
the long term aim of destroying Israel. Persistent attempts to destroy
Israel militarily failed, but the dogma, formulated at Khartoum in 1967,
of no recognition, and no negotiation - of and with Israel- is still the
basis of their policy and actions.
I have sympathy for the Palestinian's plight. I have equal sympathy
for those in Israel, and elsewhere, whose lives are blighted by the
constant treat of suicide bombers and other terrorists. Much as I
dislike the government of Ariel Sharon, sadly I accept that, at present,
the "Wall" and its offensive presence is necessary.
When rational people on both sides decide to do it, the Palestinian
"problem" will be solved.
John Marks
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests