On October 13th, the UK Parliament voted overwhelmingly (274 – 12) to recognize the “State of Palestine”, only a few days after Sweden had made a similar statement.
Statehood
Why does every town in Israel have a “Balfour” street?
Balfour street in Jerusalem is just one of dozens in Israel
Most Canadians think that the important things of World War I happened in Europe. That is natural, of course, because our terrible losses were in the fields of Flanders.
But World War I was a world war, and it had consequences around the globe. It casts a particularly long shadow in the Middle East, where colonial powers drew lines, created countries and installed rulers.
British Cabinet minister Lord Balfour’s 1917 decision to support the creation of a “Jewish State” in Palestine, known as the “Balfour Declaration” has caused turmoil in the region for a hundred years.
The Rideau Institute invited me to do an opinion piece on how WWI played a role in shaping the Israel/Palestine conflict. See my “guest blog” here. History buffs might be interested.
One State or Two states? What is the right answer?
When I do slide show presentations on Israel/Palestine to church or other groups I am often asked whether I support a one-state solution or a two state solution? Which is better? Which is feasible?
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Should Canadians support a “Two State Solution”?
Mr. Harper and his government have repeatedly asserted that they are fast friends of Israel, and have little time for or interest in the issue of human rights for the Palestinians.
However, official Canadian policy claims to support human rights for Palestinians and proposes a “2 state” solution, with safe and secure borders for Israel and “self determination for the Palestinians”.(http://www.international.gc.ca/name-anmo/peace_process-processus_paix/canadian_policy-politique_canadienne.aspxmainstream)
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Canada Talks Israel/Palestine 