Israel and Palestine

Theoretically, the solution to the endless struggle between Palestinians and Israelis is simple. In reality, the crisis is so deep rooted and emotionally charged, that simplicity is not enough. In simplest terms, both sides of the conflict must lay down their arms and abandon the practice of retribution. The struggle has lasted as long as it has because few hostile acts have gone unavenged. This cycle of violence has not only begat more violence, it has created a culture of perpetual strife.
The largest obstacle to progress in the area, in my opinion, is the tragically illegitmate legal status of the Palestinians. Enjoying a certain degree of autonomy withing Israel, legal coexistence for these peoples has proven to be ineffective. The first and most important step toward peace in the region is the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. Speaking as a person of Jewish heritage, the establishment of the Israeli state from lands that belonged to Palestinians, was the right thing to do. It was the world's way to right the wrongs suffered by the most oppressed people in our history. In doing so, though, another people has been wronged and it is time to make amends.
I urge universal recognition of a Palestinian state, with clearly defined borders. The gesture alone will serve as the catalyst for peace. Certain areas would remain contested, but I firmly believe that once there are boundaries that both parties can agree to, they must be honored.
The United States should remain the ally of Israel. Surrounded by hostile, ideologically different neightbors, Israel is vulnerable. For that reason, Israel should have the support and protection of western governments committed to her continuing sovereignty. However, I feel this support should be conditional. No unjustified act of aggression perpetrated by Israel should be condoned by our government. The U.S. should be open to withdrawing all support to Israel if the nature and severity of Israel's aggression warrants it. The spectre of withdrawn western support is sufficient to ensure that Israel behaves responsibly. I do not anticipate that the complete withdrawal of support to Israel would ever be necessary.
American support should be limited in most cases to the sharing of intelligence, defensive weapons systems, and the full breadth of economic options. In the event of a significant escalation of violence across borders, the U.S. should be prepared and authorized to use air strikes and short range non-nuclear weapons. Ground troops would most certainly not be justified without overwhelming support from the world community.