New Palestinian state

‘Vote’ a vital universal step

PRESENTING the proposed establishment of an independent Palestinian state to the United Nations (UN) for voting in September is a vital universal step, which will lead to a peaceful end to a prolonged dispute.The Palestinians and all the international advocates of the proposal should consider the need to support the bilateral interests of both sides, in addition to narrowing the gap between the Palestinians and the Israelis. The UN General Assembly has always been supportive of the legitimate dream of the Palestinians and more is expected of the Security Council not to veto the proposal again. I think the issue does not involve the Palestinians alone, because it also affects the moderate people of Israel who want peace in the region. People from both sides are willing to live in peace as neighbors and to stop bloodshed and deaths. A unified declaration of independence and full UN support are possible only if Europe will also promote the Palestinian state in the General Assembly. This might convince all members of the Security Council to endorse the proposal.However, seeing the same results only means that the endless dispute, along with its dire consequences, is more beneficial to some hidden parties rather than resolving the issue!Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal - Attorney-at-Law
http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/168395/reftab/36/t/New-Palestinian-state/Default.aspx
http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/168395/reftab/36/t/New-Palestinian-state/Default.aspx

Voice of support for Japan

We can still learn valuable lessons THE massive and unprecedented earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan recently are one of the worst natural disasters, resulting in the destruction of buildings, bridges and farms. Over 9,500 people died and more than 16,000 were reported missing. It is considered the most horrifying catastrophe that Japan witnessed since the Hiroshima bombing 60 years ago. Besides the twin natural disasters, Japan is also grappling with the rising radiation levels. The whole world is expected to stand by Japan and its people not only due to the magnitude of the crisis but also the nation’s long history of generous contributions to the international community, especially the East and the West. Considering the previous calamities experienced by other countries, such as those in South Asia or America (Hurricane Katrina), everybody should take serious steps to establish global monitoring centers with satellites to warn the people and give them enough time to take the necessary precautionary measures. This will minimize, if not prevent, the loss of human lives and properties. Disasters may cause pain, despair and depression, and people might not be able to stop them, but we can still learn valuable lessons, such as effective ways to deal with catastrophes in the future. The entire world must come together to give hope to the people in Japan and help in the reconstruction process. Japan cannot overcome such a devastating crisis without the support of the international community. Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By: By Labed Abdal - Attorney-at-law http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/167438/reftab/73/t/Voice-of-support-for-Japan/Default.aspx