Peace process demands 'zero tolerance'

DEB THOMAS

The peace process can proceed only on the condition of zero tolerance of violence. Based on history, Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat's words lack credibility. He has tried to destroy Israel from the time it became a state.

If Arafat genuinely wants peace, he must aggressively assume control over Hamas, Hezbollah and the Islamic Jihad. He must imprison these murderers, immediately cease dealings with Iran, boldly renounce suicide bombings, as well as other forms of violence, as an acceptable means of political activity against Israel. Furthermore, without Palestinians' sincere acceptance of the state of Israel, a lasting peace will be impossible.

Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia claims that without a Palestinian state in the West Bank with Jerusalem as its capital, there will be no peace. The return of Palestinians to Israel would leave the Jewish population as a minority and unable to effectively defend itself. If there is to be a Palestinian state, let it be in Jordan, and only after the Palestinians honor their commitments and sincerely profess that they will live peacefully side by side with Israel.

The United States has an important role to play in bringing about peace and stability in the Middle East. The security of our citizens is at stake. The United States must be involved in the Middle East peace process in a limited role. The United States' role should be that of a facilitator in directing negotiations between Israel and her Arab neighbors.

Israel is responsible for its own survival and therefore must determine its own peace solutions. The United States cannot and must not impose a peace treaty on Israel. Nor should the United Nations be involved in monitoring the peace process. Lastly, the peace process will work when the Palestinians honor the Oslo agreement.

Thomas is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, District 6. The other candidate for the seat is Republican Jeff Flake.