Redemption

By Naguib mahfouz

---

Talk of the roadmap as an answer to the Palestinian issue coincides with the shockwaves produced by the war on Iraq. Many therefore doubt Washington's motives for reintroducing the plan long after it had been frozen, having been accepted by the Palestinians and rejected by Israel.

Yet regardless of US intentions the adoption of any position on the roadmap can be determined only by its content, among which is the withdrawal of Israeli forces to their position prior to the outbreak of the Intifada on 28 September 2000 and the dismantling of settlements built illegally on Palestinian lands since that date.

What the Palestinians must do, on the other hand, is to develop a more effective set of tactics. They could, for example, stop acts of violence in order to facilitate negotiations; if the negotiations fail they could always return to armed resistance. As Arabs we must grant the Palestinians our unconditional support, especially insofar as the roadmap, which they have embraced, is concerned. Perhaps the situation has disintegrated, but with good will, unity and determination, it is not beyond redemption.

Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.