Jordan Sekulow
Jordan Sekulow is a human rights attorney and Director of International Operations at the American Center for Law & Justice.

Jordan Sekulow

Jordan Sekulow is a human rights attorney and Director of International Operations at the American Center for Law & Justice.

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What must occur before real peace talks: 4 key issues

Mideast peace talks resume this week, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton traveling to Egypt and Israel for negotiations between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Is religion helping or hurting the attempt to forge peace between the Jewish state and the Palestinians?

Until Palestinian political leaders and the Palestinian people accept Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, peace talks will continue to be a meaningless charade. While the Islam that Hamas espouses may currently play a damaging role in the Palestinian's quest for statehood, religion does not play a key role in the conflict. If Hamas were to conquer the West Bank, their terrorist methods combined with their radical Islamic faith would make any peace talks impossible. Currently, while the Palestinian Authority "represents" Palestine, this is a conflict over land, not religion. Four key issues must be handled before real negotiations on Palestinian statehood actually commence.

First, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas must affirm Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. This has little to do with Judaism. Israel was founded as a place of refuge for all Jews of varying religious commitment. Yes, the Jewish faith plays an important role in Israel's affairs but it is the people, not the different versions of Judaism, who define Israel. So long as Hamas calls for the destruction of the "Zionist entity" and the Palestinian Authority refuses to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, there will never be a meaningful agreement on peace or Palestinian statehood.

Second, Israelis will refuse to cede much, if not all, of East Jerusalem to a future Palestinian state. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, the home of its Knesset, Supreme Court, Prime Minister, and President. Let us not forget that it was Jordanians who fled East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six Day War as Israel advanced. It was Arab states that joined Egypt in attacking Israel that surrendered East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Without their provocations, Israel would not have waged a unilateral war for those territories. Now, more than forty years, Palestinians must at least accept East Jerusalem as part of Israel, if not its capital.

Throughout history, various Israeli leaders have said parts of East Jerusalem were on the negotiating table, yet this was never enough for Palestinians. Palestinians must no longer cling to East Jerusalem at the expense of meaningful discussing regarding areas of greater concern for the vast majority of Palestinian people.

Third, much is in the news about Israeli settlements. What happened when Israel closed down and evacuated all of the settlements in Gaza while at the same time removing Israeli military forces? Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization, took over the territory and now tensions are higher than ever before. There has already been one war, the 2008 Gaza War, and so long as Hamas is in power, there will likely be another.

Let's assume for a moment that Israel went so far as evacuating all Jewish settlements in the West Bank and removed its military forces. If this occurred, what would it actually mean for peace talks? Very little. This may prolong the talks for another year or two, but so long as Palestinians refuse to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and continue to claim all of East Jerusalem as a necessary part of a future Palestinian state, there will be no peace and no Palestinian state.

And lastly, so long as Hamas controls the Gaza Strip there will not be a Palestinian state encompassing the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Hamas is now the greatest barrier to Palestinian statehood and peace in the region. Currently, President Obama is attempting to broker a two state solution with only West Bank Palestinians being represented in negotiations. Assuming that Israel's Netanyahu and the Palestinian Authority's Abbas miraculously came to a workable agreement, where would that leave the 1.5 million Palestinians within the Hamas controlled Gaza Strip? Surely, there can be no comprehensive peace deal without all of the key players signing on.

Until the terrorist regime of Hamas falls, peace talks between Israel and the somewhat powerless Palestinian Authority will lack substance and be little more than photo opportunities for US government leaders.

If the United States and Western governments stopped pressuring Israelis and Palestinians to meet and discuss "peace", there would be no discussions. As is now custom, US Presidents try to broker a "peace" deal once in their term. So far, none of these talks or agreements has bettered the long-term situation for Palestinians or Israelis.

When Israelis and Palestinians decide to negotiate on their own terms, without pressure from international mediators, we may correctly classify those negotiations as peace talks. Until that happens, these forced meetings will continue to be futile.

By Jordan Sekulow  |  September 15, 2010; 5:20 PM ET Save & Share:  Send E-mail   Facebook   Twitter   Digg   Yahoo Buzz   Del.icio.us   StumbleUpon   Technorati  
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How necessary to these peace talks is the role of the International Criminal Court in investigating and prosecuting the alleged crimes which occurred in the 2008-2009 Gaza conflict (as scholars are debating here, uclalawforum.com)?

Posted by: leed2011 | September 24, 2010 9:39 PM
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I have never understood why Americans do not unilaterally support the only democracy in the Middle East and a stauch ally of the United States. And why the Arab nations, so concerned about the Palestinian plight, do not give these people jobs and land. Why must Israel, legally created by international treaty and a law abiding nation simply trying to protect itself, be constantly under pressure to cede what it rightfully owns and what it needs to survive?

Jordan is right. The Palestinian demands are unrealistic and designed merely to destroy Israel. Making any concessions to those who do not want peace is senseless.

Posted by: patrioticwoman22 | September 24, 2010 1:14 PM
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Peace will only come to Israerl & Middle East when EVERYONE SUBMITS to FATHER GOD-YESHUA MESSAIH-JESUS CHRIST- the PRINCE of PEACE

UNTIL BOTH MUSLIMS & UNSAVED ISRAELI-JEWS COME TO MESSIAH-YESHUA-JESUS CHRIST THERE WILL NEVER BE TRUE EVERLASTING PEACE IN ISRAEL

BOTH MUST HUMBLE THEMSELVES
REPENT OF THEIR MANY SINS
SEEK GOD WITH ALL THEIR HEART, MIND, SOUL & STRENGTH
LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THEMSELVES

THIS IS A TEST OF HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO FATHER GOD .. FAITH .. TRUST .. BELIEF

THIS IS A TEST OF WHOM DO YOU SERVE FATHER GOD-YESHUA-JESUS CHRIST OR
SATAN-ANTI-CHRIST

EACH PERSON MUST CHOOSE TODAY WHOM THEY WILL SERVE
THEIR CHOICES TODAY DETERMINE THEIR DESTINY TOMORROW


THEN EVERYONE MUST BE BORN AGAIN
BORN FIRST-INTO EARTH-PHYSICAL REALM
BORN SECOND BIRTH INTO SPIRIT-KINGDOM OF FATHER GOD-HEAVEN

YOU CANNOT BE A CITIZEN OF A COUNTRY IF YOU ARE NOT BORN INTO IT- HENCE BORN AGAIN

BELIEVING BY FAITH IN HIS GRACE & RECEIVING JESUS-YESHUA AS LORD & SAVIOUR
THEN FATHER GOD ALMIGHTY WILL SEND YOU HIS HOLY SPIRIT OF TRUTH TO LIVE IN EACH
BORN-AGAIN BELIEVER TO TEACH THEM TRUTH-COMPLETE TRUTH ..

ONLY FATHER GOD-YEHSUA-JESUS CHRIST'S TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE OF ALL THE DECEPTION-FALSE TEACHINGS-LIES OF SATAN-ANTI-CHRIST

WITOUT FATHER GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT NO-MAN HAS TRUTH, FREEDOM OR LIFE

IT'S AN OPEN BOOK TEST PEOPLE..
JESUS CHRIST-YESHUA MESSIAH IS THE ONLY ANSWER FOR PEACE BETWEEN ALL MEN & NATIONS
IN HIS MAJESTY'S SERVICE

Posted by: wendyjesus | September 20, 2010 5:25 PM
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I am amazed the number of posters on this thread on the subject justifying Israel on basis of some Sky-daddy's benediction. Even in those must tomes it was clear that someone else was living there already. It wasn't any sky-daddy's (or some call god) personal land to have given it away. Even that granted, a state of Israel stopped existing for nearly 19 centuries. Then to import a few million Europeans and carving them a state in the middle east was wrong at that time. It was no more British colonizers to give away than it was sky-daddy's to give away. On this subject, the secular reasoning is with the native that is palestinian muslims, christians, & jews or Sephardic jews. Granted the muslim track record of tolerance towards minorities is horrendous. That said. To be practical today after 62 years we need to find a secular solution and indeed religion is getting in the way. All three religions are responsible for the logjam.

Posted by: Secular | September 20, 2010 3:47 PM
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Well, you have clearly answered the question in the affirmative. If a condition for peace is the acceptance of Israel as a religious state then a religious issue is preventing peace; ergo, religion is harmful to the peace process. The founding of a new religious state is an anachronism. The other example of a modern theocracy is Iran. It being a religious state is roundly condemned, as is the possibility of any other state becoming a theocracy. Why is an exception made for Jews? The implication is that Judaism is superior to other religions or the one, true faith. In our country we prohibit the government from establishing a particular faith as the state religion or the one, true faith. Why should this only apply domestically? It is one thing to deal with nations that have traditionally been theocracies, e.g., the Vatican, but why are we supporting the creation of a new one? This is contrary to the republican spirit.

Posted by: csintala79 | September 20, 2010 9:08 AM
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Well, you have clearly answered the question in the affirmative. If a condition for peace is the acceptance of Israel as a religious state then a religious issue is preventing peace; ergo, religion is harmful to the peace process. The founding of a new religious state is an anachronism. The other example of a modern theocracy is Iran. It being a religious state is roundly condemned, as is the possibility of any other state becoming a theocracy. Why is an exception made for Jews? The implication is that Judaism is superior to other religions or the one, true faith. In our country we prohibit the government from establishing a particular faith as the state religion or the one, true faith. Why should this only apply domestically? It is one thing to deal with nations that have traditionally been theocracies, e.g., the Vatican, but why are we supporting the creation of a new one? This is contrary to the republican spirit.

Posted by: csintala79 | September 20, 2010 9:07 AM
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There will never be peace, simply because in the muslim's manual of correct behaviour, the koran, calls for the killing or enslavement of all Jews (and Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus)and the stealing of their land and property.

Unless all islamic authorities renounce these articles of their "faith", there will never be peace.

Message for @smeghol: Jews are a race, it has been scientifically proven, islam is not. YOU are a racist anti-Semite who typically of the type, has no knowledge whatsoever of the true history or background to the issues being discussed: the forum is just an excuse for you to vent your irrational hatred. If it were rational, you may notice some real facts, but it does not suit your racist, nazi nature!

Posted by: xandra2010 | September 20, 2010 6:16 AM
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they say peace,peace and ther ewill be no peace.Only tribulation will start.Feast of Tabernacles points to this.
http://nwoobserver.wordpress.com/2010/04/09/pawns-in-the-game-a-satanic-conspiracy-to-control-the-world/
to much acid @woodstock-41.what planet u from?

Posted by: dadopted1 | September 19, 2010 11:49 PM
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I agree, Aussie.
During WWII should France have just given up when they were invaded by Germany? Why should Paletsine accept their illegal occupiers? If a foreign nation invaded the U.S., I bet we would have no problem using force to claim our nation.
Not to mention that the UN (in sc resolution 242), after the 1967 war, mentioned by sekulow, in an effort to restore peace following the war, required that Israel abandon illegally occupied lands (aka, east jerusalem).

Lots of important facts left out of yet another article by this guy.

Posted by: maryp123 | September 19, 2010 6:55 PM
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Note: "Georgetown Faith": Via Sisstar Katherine Marshall is O.K. (me Apology).
___

Else the 4 Others are AntiU.S. "Anti-1st Amendment" (aka Commy's!)::

all art Garbage Peple and or "NGO"s!!

i.e.:

Fr, C. J. McCloskey (Jealous)

Adam S. McHugh (Jealous)

Mohammad Ali Salah (Garbage)! Opps,

Becky Garrison (Jealous garbage).

Et al

Posted by: woodstock-41 | September 19, 2010 6:12 PM
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correction:

Dear "ONFAiTH" Blogers et al:

P-R-O-T-E-S-T! P-R-O-T-E-S-T!

EXPLANATiON: According to OUR (NOt their) U.S. Holyi Constitution:

Pleazza, DO-NOt Answer ANY of "UNDER GOD" or "GEORGE TOWN FAiTH" nor any "BLOGS and COLUMNS" nor any "GUEST ViEWS". Thank YE/YO's!

WHEREFORE:

Only Post & Blog at "Susan Jaoby" & "DiSCUSSION" and only on "OUR ViEW"s and "Your Views". Thank Ye/Yo's Bredrens & Sistrens, ACH & Chods ... aka HUMAN's (Pisces's) Thinkers (Pre-Apocalyptarians)) & EKLAHtian's (AquariUS's) thinkers aka US (Apocalyptarians).! A New-Age In Faith Exchanging!

Posted by: woodstock-41 | September 19, 2010 5:27 PM
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part 1 of 2:

Dear Jealous wannabe EBERU-Ju: Sista Ori Z. Soltes & CO.;

RE: A Secular Question (to Hell with JU Question) involving The so called, "350,000 Wandering Apocalyptic Lovin JYOKTANian {EKLAHTi-ON's}" (Not Jealous Pre-Apocalyptic Lov'n PELEGian's) Living in the "wannabe "JU-STATE, NOt a SABRA-STATE of the ROCK: Fix Your Own Houses & Biggest Problem with, 1st!

Hint: The Soul of a "SABRAite" (Jyoktanian's & Pelegian's) art Priceless, Not even Ye G-d(s) can but "IT" (our G_D, not a HE nor a SHE, only an "IT" being "iTSELF" in and out of US ALL)! Hence; EKLAHt-i-ON's, never OF's! Soo,

Pleazzaaa, Do NOt be in Denial to selves nor others, nor DO-n-Then-Deny, or Deny-n-then-Do (via Jealousy).

YE & Shmuel Rosner [of 'JPOST'] should trial'd by the IDF: Then be found guilty of "Sedition"; then blind folded & shot by the IDF. Note: Jealousy of Shmuel et al; Hath Hidden ME/MY/OUR Works from Humanity. WE[i] already submitted the "Solution To that Mid-East Pollution" by way of Essay/Blog. So With holding It (Answer to Everlasting Peace) a blessing, is a Great Sin! A Curse against Israel & All their little or big Helpers (direct or indirect).

Note: Israel is our "3rd [living] Temple": Not Yours! NOt Tadee, nor Heredi et al SuperStupidStitious Anti-SABRAite-3rd-Temple folks via Fanatic FUND'd-MENTAL'st cases! [OUR Enemies Which We Will Destroy anywhere on S.S. Earth! Soo,

Post 1948 [Secular] ISRAEL Can Never be, nor meant be, Nor will i[WE] "New-Hagganian"s on S.pace-S.hip Earth, allow for a "JU-STATE." It is better to destroy it [Israel as We know it now] all now; then cause another future HOLOCAUST, provoking Ishlami/Easaites (NOt Hitler This Time)! WHY?

BE-cause [ironically this week is "SUKKOT"] and the Religious Jealous Rabbinate & JU-Mafioso's & Gangs Int'l therein Are CURSED! Zero Bless'th!

Posted by: woodstock-41 | September 19, 2010 1:05 PM
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2 of 2:

Ye/Yo art "CURSED" because The bulacrap about Abrahamic-Pelegians determining "Who is a JU via the "350,000 or so called None JEW's" Question will Destroy YOU! Hint: The "SAVIOUR" is biorn'th among them. O' Jealousy! (Ye/Yo Curse)!

Note: iRonically, i[WE] EKLAHt-iON's [Of JyOKTAN stock] NOt like Ye/Yo's PELEG Satanic-VersUS lovin stock], call them, the "WANDERiNG JEWS"!

Secret; There are several EKLAHt-iON's (aka HUUMATE(s), NOt Human's like Yo/Ye's))among Them 350,000, who will Save Israel. Else the so-called "G-d of Yisroel/Eretz" will Be Destroyed him/her once and Forever again!

PS: All None-JU Secular-States, should STOP supporting the JU-State of what was once known as "The-Rock aka The "SABRA-STATE". Reality: Maybe Israel's Usurping (Desecrating) Leaderships of today [i.e., mr. Bibi & CO. of god Players] , Can't See the Current STATE-of-Our Reality (Not Theirs); but

but WE[i], Children of the "The Haggana folks {pbu them} , Urgun's folks {pbu Them}, Palmach's folks {pbu Them} & CO {peace be upon Them ALL} Can see the F-U-T-U-R-E. But Ye/Yo only See the Past! O' Blind & Jealous 3rd Temple Israeli Leaderships.

Note: Bibi et al Should be Duly blind folded & shot Instead! Aye? O' If i[WE] was Prime Minister!

VOTE: DEATH to THEOCRACY & MONARCHY on This Holyi Bless'th, Zero Curs'th nor Sin'th, yet NEBULA-BUILT, zero Biblio-Built, Holyi S.pace S.hip Earth {of many} of our "O.U.R." [O.ne U.niversal R.eligion] Zero G-d(s) , o' god(s) Chosen garbage people!

O' "BLIND" & "LAME" (Pelegian) wannabe SABRA's (Jyoktan's)! Ye/Yo again forsak'th the Message/Words/Prophecy! No Mercy This Holyi TiME (Innate Holy Temperature) via time (man made clocks)!!!

Posted by: woodstock-41 | September 19, 2010 12:56 PM
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So long as Islam persists in believing that ONLY Islam can be the religion everywhere, there won't be peace anywhere; not all people want to accept that as their belief system or their governance; and certainly the Jews have shown they aren't interested. So long as the rest of the world continues trying to bully Israel into capitulating to the Palestinians and other Muslim states by simply folding their tents and leaving the area, which is the only concession that will satisfy the Palestinians, ultimately, or the rest of the Muslims, which they have made quite clear enough; there will be no stopping the attacks against Israel. But that won't bring peace in the Middle East either. What our leaders and those in Europe seem to keep ignoring is that within the various Muslim-dominated nations there is NO peace! These peoples are at war among themselves continually and have been over 13 centuries; what on Earth would give anyone to believe they'd stop simply because there was no longer a Jewish state of Israel? Or even if they did manage to dominate the entire world with Shariah? ALL that would accomplish is to insure that there would NEVER be any peace for anyone anywhere in the world!

Posted by: sandraleesmith46 | September 19, 2010 8:23 AM
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Hamas (and Hezbollah too) are parasitic groups that exist only when there is chaos and conflict in the middle east. Hamas uses its own people as pawns and human shields. They claim to want to help their people but all they have done is brought constant conflict and utter devastation to the region. Hamas does not want and will never want peace with Israel. If peace were to break out, Hamas will be out of a job and they will never allow that to happen. Israel gave up land to the Arabs and all Hamas did was use it to get physically closer to Israel (to shoot off more rockets). Hamas and the like are nothing but pathetic, despicable losers who are dragging everyone else around them down a black hole and a one-way street that leads to nowhere and nothing good. Nobody trusts Hamas and nobody wants to deal with them. There will never be peace in the region as long as these groups exists. The God of the bible will bless those who bless Israel and punish those who punish Israel).

Posted by: Daytona2 | September 19, 2010 7:00 AM
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Anyone who believes hamas or the palestinian authority will truthfully accept affirm Isreal as a Jewish state live in a world where pigs fly and are sorely ignorant of the araabic koran

Posted by: danulsun | September 19, 2010 2:44 AM
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And so according to this author, the Palestinians should just accept whatever crumbs Israel deems to throw them. It is certainly a new definition of " negotiations"
I find it rather scary that so many posters think that 21st century geopolitics should be based on bronze age dreamtime myths.

Posted by: aussiebarry | September 19, 2010 1:56 AM
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"Mideast peace talks resume this week, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton" --- snip>---

I question the wisdom of sending a woman, American "to boot", to negotiate with people who treat their women as property. Sounds rather counter productive. (IMHO)

Posted by: Circuit_Rider | September 18, 2010 11:54 PM
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Think about this:How many countries would ever consider trading land for peace? Then why should Israel do this? The fact that Hamas says Israel has no right to exist shows their true heart and I ask again did not Hitler have the same agenda? and look what the world got WWII; If I were Israel I would slam the door in the face of anyone who says I don't have a right to exist!
Dave Z

Posted by: dave736 | September 18, 2010 11:38 PM
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Peace that is made will not be 'real' peace. It will be a false sense of security while nations plot against Israel. I continue to follow the peace talks because of my search for my savior. My heart goes out to the Jewish People. The King of Peace, Jesus Christ, is the only one who will give PEACE!

Posted by: angelo4 | September 18, 2010 8:37 PM
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The recognition of the Jewish state's right to exist will never happen. Any land that has ever been in Islamic hands is regarded as Islamic, and for anyone else to own it is considered an insult, especially Jews. The surrounding nations started the wars and lost them, therefore Israel should never give any land for more missiles. Islam considers it ok to lie to so called "infidels" to achieve it's ends. For these reasons alone there will never be peace. Will we ever learn from history?

Posted by: HistoryLearner | September 18, 2010 3:06 PM
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While the concept of peace in the Middle East is illusionary, it cannot be ruled or deemed as impossible, based upon the various revelations of Biblical prophecy. This peace of seven years the Bible speaks of is relatively temporary, of course, so in terms of validity as we would like it, it may not really exist. Still, it is only a matter of time until these prophetic events completely unfold. Religion only hurts peaceful negotiations when faiths seriously clash, or when one leader refuses to compromise.. although here, there is a great deal at stake. In essence, the entire world's fate hangs in the balance, as it is interwoven into the prophetic tapestry of the Middle East, God's covenant with Israel, the Tribulation, the rebuilding of the Jewish temple, ultimately Armageddon. Hasn't Israel compromised enough already ? How much blood must be shed over her Holy Land ? Israel matters significantly to God, as does her people. Therefore as a Christian I must ask some, what is wrong with supporting Israel, standing strong with her as her devoted and loyal ally ? How long she has endured misery, painful loss, and hardship in an attempt to be recognized independently. Truly peace at this time of intense troubled world events would appear miraculous, with the strong will of Hamas and Islam ever present in the mix. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in my opinion an excellent negotiator for Israel. The final outcome and judicious destiny for Israel, and her due deliverance lies rightfully in God's hands.

Posted by: Jill007 | September 18, 2010 1:04 PM
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Plain and simple---there has never been peace in the Middle East and there never will be. The Moslems cannot be negotiated with and have a unified goal for the total destruction of Israel--and ultimately the whole world. These fanatical nations are arming themselves with nuclear weapons with the full intent on their use. Israel has at least 200 nuclear weapons. Menachen Begin said that if the Arabs are about to succeed in the destruction of Israel that they (the Israelis) would bring down the temple of humanity. The final peace will arrive in the Middle East when the whole place is turned into a sea of glass.

Posted by: emccollough | September 18, 2010 11:16 AM
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There will be NO peace in the middle east until Germany and the EU have destroyed Iran and the other prophesied events have occurred, including the devastating attack on and destruction of the United States, and the return of the King of Kings, Jesus the Christ resulting in His Kingdom being set up on Earth.
Watch for the EU to whittle it's self down to 10 nations and you will see the final resurrection of the unholy - "Holy Roman Empire". He who has an ear...let him hear.

Posted by: MrDuffyf | September 18, 2010 5:43 AM
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The global jihad view of democracy is the Muslim majority voting in Sharia law. If our Constitution was not in the way, that would be the simple plan in the U.S. In Iraq and Afghanistan, the Constitutions establish Islam as the religion of the land and thus paves the way for Sharia law. Our troops are still dying for people who don't want to be free. In championing the "Muslim world," we are fighting for the interests of people who do not want to be free. They "legally" (under Sharia law) oppress non-Muslims with Islamic supremacy/subjugation of non-Muslims and a scapegoat hatred of Jewish people so they can plunder them. Under Sharia law jihad must be defensive (i.e., in defense of Islam, Muslims, Muslim honor, etc.) and all Muslims are required to support "lawful" (under Sharia law) jihad either financially, violently, or passively. Jihad has been declared against Israel and rationalized as defensive. And, we wonder why giving up more and more land to jihadists is not buying peace.

Posted by: tiggerita | September 18, 2010 1:37 AM
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Muhammad developed the Islamic doctrine of hudna, which is a "peace" agreement with non-Muslims (for not more than ten years) to give Muslims time to regroup, re-arm, and get strong enough to conquer those they have made the agreement with. It is in the Haddith/Sunnah (sayings and actions of Muhammad, the example of the "perfect" man). The Mideast oil boon was used to plan and fund the global jihad, but the oil reservoirs are drying up in the Arab nations, which is why the global jihad conquered oil and resource-rich lands in Africa by the sword(and killed off the native peoples). It has also been discovered that there is an oil reserve under Israel. Islam just gives the rationalization for plundering non-Muslims.

Posted by: tiggerita | September 18, 2010 1:12 AM
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Over 3000 prophesies have been fullfilled
set forth by God's word and yet we just can't
get what He says about Israel. Wake up!

Posted by: Rodneyready | September 17, 2010 11:32 PM
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Short and to the point:
There will be NO peace until the PRINCE of PEACE sits on the throne of his father David.

Posted by: normpatton | September 17, 2010 10:05 PM
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"Hamas is now the greatest barrier to Palestinian statehood and peace in the region.” “Surely, there can be no comprehensive peace deal without all of the key players signing on."
I have always wondered as to the kind of magic these "players" rely on to even attempt to breach the obvious obstacles you've clearly stated here.

Andrew NY

Posted by: apbenlulu | September 17, 2010 8:00 PM
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Here's an interesting concept: Yisrael has the right to exist within identifiable bounders based upon a well-recognized principle of international law---by right of conquest. Isn't this why Christians can no longer claim authority to rule in Istanbul? or Germans in Koenigsberg? or the Apaches in Santa Fe, New Mexico? History will always have its winners and losers. Are the Muslims in Gaza and Sumeria-Judea going to continue ignoring the benefits that peace will bring to the betterment of their lives and the lives of their families? If they would become economic partners with Yisraeli, they will be able to watch their babies grow-up and not train them to blow-up? Why don't they look to the experience of Germany and Japan after World War II? America gave aid and comfort to both beaten nations and today they are both beacons of prosperity and democracy? Shalom, Shalom.

Posted by: michaelfoxone | September 17, 2010 7:21 PM
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Jordan, read Psalm 83.

Posted by: tjplaw | September 17, 2010 7:20 PM
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Jerusalem belongs to Israel, if for no other
reason, they won it in a war that was not
started by them. No Jew is safe in territory held by Hamas. But Palestinians
are safe in Israel, can receive good medical
care, vote, in other words function as real
citizens. Jews don't have those rights in
Palestine. Israel shouldn't have given up
any land won in the 6 day war.

Posted by: supergranny2 | September 17, 2010 6:44 PM
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Great article . I really beleive some posters on here will never ''get it ''. Number 1 - Hamas is in an INTERNATIONAL terrorist group , not just in Israel . So the poster that says they were 'legitimately elected' by the Palestinians( mainly Jordanian Arabs)..what does that have to do with anything?!In these days, you can have a felony record and get elected!! 2-Israel is and ALWAYS will be a nation having a Devine deed to the Jews... If THIS is never understood, well what can any one say to convince these people?3- That being said ,someone said this: Israel is a Jewish state, a racist apartheid state..Oh really? Then please tell me , why hasn't this ''racist ''nation '' expelled ALL of its 9 terrorist groups along with EVERYONE who is NOT Jewish, please answer.. 4- Until Israel stops making land concessions for peace , the called Hamas ''deal making'' will continue...But as we have seen even as S/O/S Clinton's visit has shown , even then Hamas was still at all... bombing Jews 5-Mr Seculow's synopsis NEVER mentioned any UN ''charters''( they are as good as the paper they are written on) - what does this matter anyway ? When do you see UN ''peace keeping '' forces attempting to negotiate peace with Hamas? You do not! They are terrorists.period.They have the Hamas Charter- they follow that - read it online. And you say Israel has no right to have it's capitol restored? Because many people want the whole land under Islamic control.That is the truth . The Messiah will return , please seek Him while He can be found ...

Posted by: pamnsc777 | September 17, 2010 6:24 PM
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Israel is a sovereign nation, yet it is the only nation that the rest of the world wants to run their affairs. Israel is invaded by other nations and when Israel wins ground, the UN says give it back! That’s like scoring a touchdown and the “Ref.” gives it to the opposing team… STUPID or what! I have a message for Israel. HOLD ON! Help is coming in November. Selah!

Posted by: JoshuaCaleb | September 17, 2010 5:14 PM
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Mr. Jordan Sekulow,

In accordance with full respect for your profession as a Human Rights Attorney and Director of International Operations at the American Center for Law & Justice, I would like to state that, your article is evasive and inconclusive. Your article does not address the fact that the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UN S. Res.) 181 stipulates that the 1967 border includes partitions for the Palestinians. UN S. Res. 242 is also relevant to this discussion. Kindly consider these matters along with many others decided at the United Nations.

Posted by: ginepro | September 17, 2010 5:09 PM
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I may not be a scholar but I do believe in Bible Prophecy.I feel if there is a peace between the parties during this presidency, it will last 7 yrs and you know the rest. I mean the false peace and the arising of two people,not of our best days.I hate to be pessimistic. I hope I am wrong.

Posted by: Arellanesnd67aolcom | September 17, 2010 5:04 PM
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When God called Abraham to go where He directed him. It was to the land that is now Israel's. God told Abraham that he would give this land to his descendants which is Israel. The land that Israel now has is far from the boundaries that God gave.The land that God gave reaches to the Euphrates rive the border toward Egypt, the River Egypt. Get your Bible and read the book of Genesis!

Posted by: willydksn | September 17, 2010 4:53 PM
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All I can add is....look at the size of Israel compared to the size of the surroungding Arab Countries? Did an Arab nation such as Saudi Arabia or Yemen, ever offered any help or land to the Palestinians? Never, they don't even get along with one another, you people in this forum aren't fooling anyone, Israel didn't steal the land from Palestine, there never was such country, Jews bought land in present day Israel from the Hashemite king of Arabia (before the Saudi Clan took over Arabia) back in 1911. You rabid antisemites can continue to hate Jews, but God's on their side & to Christians out there, please do not prostelsize to Jews, we Christians owe much of our roots to Judaism.
this from a person who's grandfather was a Haji

Posted by: shalim421 | September 17, 2010 4:51 PM
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Based on their beliefs, charter and actions over the years, I don't care if they were legitimately elected, they are or are on the side of terrorist organizations. Not good for anybody, Israel or the world.

Posted by: p356 | September 17, 2010 4:49 PM
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Mr. Jordan Sekulow,

In accordance with full respect for your profession as a Human Rights Attorney and Director of International Operations at the American Center for Law & Justice, I would like to state that, your article is evesive and inconclusive. Your article does not address the fact that the United Nations Article 181 stipulates that the 1967 border includes partition for the Palestinians. Article 242 is also relevant to this discussion. Kindly consider these matters along with many others decided at the United Nations.

Posted by: ginepro | September 17, 2010 4:18 PM
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Here's my pie-in-the-sky, way over-simplified solution. The UN masses a gargantuan force under the "direction" of some completely unrelated country (like, say, East Timor) and conquers Israel and all Palestinian lands in a bloodless war (they'd just surrender in view of the sheer might of the opposition). Then East Timor would divide up the land into territories West Jordan (currently the west bank), Gaza, and Israel. The area around the Dome of the Rock would be given its freedom to become a separate entity like the Vatican so that it would freely be available to Muslims. The rest of Jerusalem would be in the Israel territory. Since all these areas would technically be spoils of war and part of East Timor, the Palestinians and Israelis would have no say over how this division occurs. After a period of time, East Timor could give each area its freedom - if it had abided by certain rules - thereby effecting a compromise. Yeah, it's a pipe dream, but it's as likely as anything else happening. :)

Posted by: dorsalmo | September 17, 2010 4:17 PM
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There will be no peace in middle east.
Read what God said in Ezekiel 35 thru 38
Its only going to get worse until Jesus
comes.

Posted by: Rodneyready | September 17, 2010 4:07 PM
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"Until Palestinian political leaders and the Palestinian people accept Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, . . . This has little to do with Judaism. Israel was founded as a place of refuge for all Jews of varying religious commitment". Mr. Sekulow, wipe that stupid grin and tell us under what authority was it founded as a place of refuge for all Jews of varying religious commitment? Did any body ask the people already there if they are agreeable to the arrangement? Wasn't it done by the delusional evangelicals like you of early 20th century wanted to hasten the 2nd coming? So this feigning of great concern for Jewish people, is similar to the Lion's concern for the antelope, isn't it?

"Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization, took over the territory and now tensions are higher than ever before. There has already been one war, the 2008 Gaza War, and so long as Hamas is in power, there will likely be another". Are you out of your mind or are you just plain ignoramus? Are you confusing it with Hizbollah? Besides do stick your head in the sand and go with whatever comes to your mind? Did you not follow the news Hamas. terrorist organization or not won the elections fairly and squarely?

Lastly it is true that it would indeed be miraculous if there was an agreement. Definitely I am with you Islamic intransigence remains this problem does not go away. The Palestinians must realize that there is no military solution to the problem in the foreseeable future that favors them. They should also realize that Inshallah (god willing) will mean a long wait, say another 10 centuries may be. Their Ummah, will not come to their rescue in a meaningful way, in the same way as they have not come for past 62 years.

Next Israelis need to admit that they are not without fault and this godly benediction is nothing but a 3000 year old hoax. Then provide a honorable pact, so they will have peace.

Posted by: Secular | September 17, 2010 11:25 AM
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Jews have always been persecuted. Israel continuously provides evidence of the causal Jewish behavior. Did German Jews acquire disproportionate media, financial and political power as they have in the United States? Did their collective exercise of this power precipitate the Holocaust? America’s multiple and continuing mid east wars have all been initiated with the urging of AIPAC, the Conference of Presidents, and other Israeli agencies. All have benefited Israel at our expense. American Jews were central to, and grossly enriched by, the Wall Street obscenity. Israel is a Jewish state, a racist apartheid state by, of, and for the chosen people. It feigns and exploits alliance, but an ally Israel will never be.

Posted by: smehgol | September 16, 2010 9:32 AM
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Jews have always been persecuted. Israel continuously provides evidence of the causal Jewish behavior. Did German Jews acquire disproportionate media, financial and political power as they have in the United States? Did their collective exercise of this power precipitate the Holocaust? America’s multiple and continuing mid east wars have all been initiated with the urging of AIPAC, the Conference of Presidents, and other Israeli agencies. All have benefited Israel at our expense. American Jews were central to, and grossly enriched by, the Wall Street obscenity. Israel is a Jewish state, a racist apartheid state by, of, and for the chosen people. It feigns and exploits alliance, but an ally Israel will never be.

Posted by: smehgol | September 16, 2010 9:30 AM
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Among other things, Hamas was legitimately elected by the Palestinians to be their government. You know this Mr. Sekulow, why do you twist the story to so favor Israel?

Posted by: smehgol | September 16, 2010 8:03 AM
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