Al-Quds News, Ramallah, Originally posted in Arabic on March 22
Roughly 17 Yemenite Jews were covertly smuggled to Israel last week, in a joint effort of the Mossad and the Jewish Agency. The operation sparked widespread public discussion in the Arab world about the role of Jews in Muslim societies and their loyalty to the state.
In reaction, Dhani Khalfan, the famous head of the Dubai police, called on the Arab public to stop treating Jews as enemies and start viewing them as “our cousins, with whom we have some territorial disputes.” He then went on to explain that forming a Palestinian state would be a mistake, as Palestine – under the PLO – will simply become a failed state, like many other Arab ones in the region.
Instead, he argued that Palestinians should merge with Israel and enjoy the democratic and political stability of the Jewish State. There, they will be able to enjoy fair representation in the government, growing to become the majority of the population, just like the black populous in South Africa has done.
Reactions to Khalfan remarks soon followed, with many accusing him of cooperating with the Israeli authorities and speaking on behalf of the Israeli Intelligence. Others claimed that he is a shame to Islam and to all Muslim people around the world. However, the Lieutenant General refused to apologize for his remarks and stood firm behind his words.
Whether his beliefs are right or wrong, there is no use in putting the blame of corrupt Arab regimes on the Palestinian’s shoulders. The Palestinian people deserve, like any other nation, their right for self-determination and self-governance.
Established Arab governments should find ways to deal with their own political systems, not preach to the Palestinians who have been suffering for decades. – Al-Quds News Editorial Staff