January 2, 2009

Why I'm Against Annuling the Treaty

Disclaimer: Before you go on to make a comment, bear in mind that I am an avid supporter of the Palestinian cause. I have not been "washed away" by Israeli propaganda nor can I begin to explain my fury and frustration at what is going on in Gaza right now.

I was reluctant to speak about this at first, because of all the vicious fights that I've observed around the blogosphere whenever this subject is discussed. But I'm putting my opinion out there so people can see the other side of the equation. The other opinion, that everybody I've met seems to be terrified to disclose.

I am very much against the annulment of the Jordanian-Israeli peace treaty, the closure of the Israeli embassy or the expulsion of the ambassador, and I cannot see what good it could possibly achieve or contribute in ending the massacre the Palestinians are currently facing.

Here's the thing. I understand the feelings of frustration and anger, I really do. I understand the feeling of helplessness that takes over you as you see the lives of over 400 people, 400 human beings just like you and me being taken away in a place not so far from what we call home. I understand how the Arab nation feels like something has to be done, something needs to be done, so that we stop feeling so inferior to the rest of the world, to do something after being persecuted for so many years. I understand that it was OUR land to begin with, and that the Israelis were the ones who came here and unrightfully took over what's not theirs. I understand all of that.

But here's what I also understand. This dreaded treaty between us and the Israelis, the treaty that protests have been calling to annul for at least 3 times (that I can remember) , is what's preventing Israelis from starting a war with us. It's also what's enabling us to send in the donations to help those in the battle-zone. I honestly don't understand those who want to go into "war" and start a "jihad" against the Israelis. We are a country of 5 million, we have very few resources, and to put it simply and clearly, there's no way in hell we can win a war against Israel. The reason Jordan has remained quite a safe country (considering the fact that we live in a war zone), is not exactly a miracle. It's because we've accepted the presence of the Jewish nation as a fact and let's face it, it's not going to go away anytime soon, and if you think otherwise, you are either affected by your emotions, or grossly overestimate the abilities of the very country you're criticizing.

And this is why I can't support the riots that have been breaking out all over the place. i couldn't be more angry about what's happening, but I frankly think you're a hypocrite if you tell me you're willing to sacrifice your freedom and safety to go into a battle, to go into a war, that you KNOW there's no way you can win. I like the fact that I live in a safe, secure country, where I can go about my daily life without fear of having my house brought down over my head. This doesn't mean we've given up. I'm not giving up. I make my voice heard to let the people around the world, who aren't being told the whole story, know that a massacre is taking place. There are other ways we can fight this war, and sacrificing this country is not one of them. We've done that once before and lost. We'd just be hitting the self-destruct button.


Also posted on 7iber.

9 comments:

Saed said...

"There are other ways we can fight this war, and sacrificing this country is not one of them. We've done that once before and lost. We'd just be hitting the self-destruct button."



100% correct



I agree.

[hai toiger :P]

Anonymous said...

Very well said!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing. Your words made it to my little corner of the world and will be my company as I sleep tonight.

Anonymous said...

Is your father Jamil Nimri who writes for Al-Ghad? I love his writings.

By the way, you do realize that by getting published on 7iber you have ruined your reputation because of the vast negative exposure your post will generate. Whoever agreed to publish it was not doing you a favor.

Farah said...

Muna, no he's not my father, but he's a distant relative.

"By the way, you do realize that by getting published on 7iber you have ruined your reputation because of the vast negative exposure your post will generate. Whoever agreed to publish it was not doing you a favor."

I disagree. There's nothing that I will say or write that would ruin my reputation. 7iber provided exposure, and whether people like what I have to say or not is completely up to them. I wouldn't practise censorship in return for popularity.

Anonymous said...

I think you have spoken the words that many are afraid to admit.

Enough of these emotional reactions and let us start using our words to make our cause heard!
I remember the times when we were hearing "we will throw them away for the fish to eat them" to discover on the second day that our land is lost!
Let us be smart about how we fight our wars! enough of empty slogans that mean nothing!

Anonymous said...

I might agree with you in many points.
But...
1. Don't be convinced that Israel is a non-beatable enemy, or else you will lose faith in our just cause.

2. Don’t be convinced that the Arabs (including Jordanians) can do nothing. At least they can kick out the Israeli ambassador (to express an opposing position), or the Arab leaders to be gathered in a summit to express a clear condemning position (this can make a difference unlike what many people might say).

3. I am against the word “riots” you used; these are not riots, these are protests to let the world see how ruthless our enemy is. Not only they are occupying the Arab land (don’t forget that), but also they are killing innocents among what they call terrorists. But these terrorists are drived with a normal right to resist the occupation, which is a globally recognized right.

Farah said...

Jordanian Citizen, I actually completely support the right to protest, it is the demands that I am not supportive of. I guess I should've made that clearer. I think protests are an important way to make your voice heard.

Anonymous said...

Shame on you ,look at the Israeli society and what they think of it,
You can't treat Facist governmmt with awads
Here is the survey