israel, the wall, and the joke that is the 'world court'

[The Duke]

There is no need for de facto or de jure debates about borders.  All of that land is Israeli for the time being, and they can build whatever they want wherever they want.

This is not to say that I find the current state of affairs perfectly suitable, but there is no border between Israel and "Palestine" because there is no country called Palestine.

[The Duke]

There is no need for de facto or de jure debates about borders.  All of that land is Israeli for the time being, and they can build whatever they want wherever they want.

This is not to say that I find the current state of affairs perfectly suitable, but there is no border between Israel and "Palestine" because there is no country called Palestine.

If all that land is Israeli, then all those people should be allowed to vote for the Knesset.

If all that land is Isreli, then Israel can choose who can and can't vote.

[The Duke]

However, just because Israel doesn't let Palestineans vote for the Knesset doesn't mean they aren't a democracy.  We don't let Puerto Rico vote for President or have a vote in congress, but we're a democracy.  Restrcting the franchise doesn't mean you aren't a democracy.

I agree that it is an impossible situation with all the animosity that has built up between the various leaders.

[The Duke]

Barak was very close to giving back the '67 borders and some sort of joint control of Jerusalem.  That was the best deal the Palestineans will ever see.  Too bad they walked away, this would all be over by now.

The reason there hasn't been a referenda in the occupied territory is that no one can trust the validity of their elections.  They stuffed ballot boxes for Arafat.  We know that Puerto Rico would have legit elections.