Palestine: What Would They Do with a Land of Only Olives and Thyme?

The halls of the United Nations are currently witness to intensive diplomatic and political initiatives, nearly to the point of resembling an international Souq Okaz!* The primary issue is the Palestinian Authority’s plan to request the approval of the Security Council for a Palestinian state, a move opposed by Israel. America has threatened to use its veto power to thwart the resolution should a majority endorse the Palestinian state. Americans, however, do not want to embarrass themselves internationally by using their veto unless they are obliged to do so in order to satisfy the Israelis. For that reason, America is placing considerable pressure on other members of the Security Council. The Council has 15 members altogether, and the support of nine members is required to permit a vote [in the General Assembly].

Abdul Rahman Al-Rashid wrote yesterday in Asharq Al-Awsat: “Although it’s easy to raise one’s hand, the American government hopes to not have to do that. To avoid any awkwardness, they need to persuade one more country [to join them in their vote] in order to foil this plan without resorting to a veto. America is now pressuring three countries specifically: Bosnia, Nigeria, and Gabon. Now, we are not delusional. We know that the goal of declaring a Palestinian state will not be achieved whether it ends up being due to a lack of votes or to a veto from the American representative to the Security Council. We also know that the battle over the Palestinian state will also rage in the great hall, where yesterday the General Assembly began nine days of discussion and competition among the 193 countries of the world, 116 of which are almost certain to vote in the interest of the Palestinian state.”‡

The issue of the Palestinian state confirms a clear American bias in favor of Israel, a country currently ruled by hard-liners. At the same time that Washington gave their blessing and assistance to the establishment of a South Sudanese state, we find that they will not recognize the right of the Palestinian people — whose struggles have lasted 50 years — to a seat in the United Nations!

What’s more, America has spoken in favor of the revolutions of the Arab Spring, but does not grant approval to the Palestinian revolution! It does not even recognize the right of the Palestinian people to have their own state like the rest of the world’s peoples. The contradiction seems clear. Although Washington rejoices over the Arab revolutions and offers monetary, military, and logistical assistance to the cause, an authentic and legitimate revolution that has lasted 50 years is not deemed worthy of support!

If Palestine were a land that produced oil, gas or precious metals, then Washington, the European Union and NATO would rush to support the establishment of a Palestinian state. But what would they do with an Arab land that contains nothing but olives and thyme?


*Translator’s note: Souq Okaz, an ancient festival that took place in what is now present-day Saudi Arabia, was a festival that dates back to the pre-Islamic era, featuring competitions between poets who represented their respective tribes. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia revived in recent years.

‡Editor’s note: This quote, accurately translated, could not be verified.