Sharansky's Tests

Natan Sharansky proposes four tests for the Palestinians without which they will not be able to convince Israel (and hopefully the United States) that they are serious about peace. The key to the success or failure of a new "peace process" is for the Palestinians to embrace a free society.

Oslo failed because it was based on the premise that a strong dictator would make a strong peace. What Oslo's architects did not understand was that dictators need external enemies to justify the repression necessary to keep their societies under control. In contrast, democratic leaders, dependent on popular support, have a powerful incentive to deliver peace and prosperity to their citizens.

Because of the last few years of brainwashing by Arafat's PA, developing such a society will not be easy and will undoubtedly take a long time. A rush to impose a solution to the conflict, i.e. rewarding the Palestinians for no achievements, will only lead to more war and a greater instability in the whole region.