• Linda, although I’m sure that both sides need to make changes in order for there to be peace between the Israelis and the Arabs, what would have to happen in the Arab street before Israelis will be seen as something other than a hated enemy?
    • The Cairo Codex Daniel, you are correct that actions are needed on both sides, the Arab Street and the Israeli Street. This is Part I of my response to your important question. On the Arab Street, the conversation needs to change. The hatred of Israel, while historic…See More
      • Dan Jacobs We’re off to a good start! I guess Israelis would want to know what they can do that would tangibly tip the tide. They haven’t seen much return on their gestures to date whether from huge land retreats or otherwise. The Arab street might not have accepted these as genuine efforts, but from the Israeli side, these were profoundly painful attempts at goodwill.
      • The Cairo Codex Very interesting perspective, Daniel. Egyptians listen for the personal in that relationships are vitally important. Policy changes–while critical–are not as persuasive as empathy, compassion and gestures that preserve the gigantic Egyptian pride. “Goodwill” is defined differently.
      • Dan Jacobs Okay, so I understand the importance of nuance and interpersonal respect. But when Anwar Sadat came to Jerusalem, he was treated as a national hero by Israelis. It was a red carpet VIP reception from Sadat’s airplane at Ben Gurion Airport all the way to the highest podium of the Israeli parliament. When King Hussein signed the peace accord, Israel opened its airspace to his private jet and Yitzhak Rabin was his private air traffic controller on television — another hero’s welcome. Israelis danced in the street in happiness, but it didn’t seem to dent the feeling on the Arab street. What did the Israelis miss?
      • The Cairo Codex What did the Israelis miss? The lack of support that Sadat had in Egypt. When Sadat turned toward the West and Israel, he failed to bring the country along with him. The plummeting economy, international ideas, and dark-skin alienated him further. Islamic fundamentalists assassinated him two years after the Israeli treaty was signed.
      • The Cairo Codex Hello Daniel–In order to change the conversation, I think that Arabs will need to experience Israelis as co-partners in improving trade policies, mutually working to create jobs, encouraging joint and safe tourism. Basic, very basic. Approaches that will ease the pressures on ordinary lives.