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Message: <br /><br /> If you are having trouble reading this email, you may view this article online at: http://www.jweekly.com/18512/full/18512/the-intifada-two-years-and-counting/ <br /><br /> <b>The intifada - two years and counting</b> <br /> Friday, September 20, 2002 | by <br /><br /><p>We're a week away from another infamous day - Sept. 28, when the al-Aksa intifada destroyed the hope that Jews and Palestinians could live together. Some still say it can happen. But even if both sides drop their guns and figure out a way to become neighbors, it will take years for peaceful coexistence to ensue.<br /><br /> The 1993 Oslo accords brought with it working relationships and even friendships. Jews and Palestinians visited each other's homes, shopped in each other's stores and ate in each other's restaurants.<br /><br /> But two years of hostilities have bred a new epidemic of mistrust. Both Israelis and Palestinians have friends or relatives who have died at the hands of those they consider their enemies. Relationships between Israelis and Palestinians have been destroyed.<br /><br /> European allies and American officials talk of peace negotiations. And of course, every time they do, another incident results.<br /><br /> For instance, on Thursday, a horrific suicide bombing occurred in Tel Aviv, following Wednesday's attacks in Northern Israel and the West Bank; at least seven Israelis were killed. Despite weeks of relative quiet, the realization that militants are planning attacks was driven home. Terrorists want to mark the second-year anniversary by creating more anguish and death.<br /><br /> That, of course, means that the intifada is unlikely to end anytime soon.<br /><br /> On top of these events, we can only shudder to think of the impact a U.S. war with Iraq would have on the intifada.<br /><br /> Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian people cheered on Saddam Hussein during the Gulf War while Iraqi scud missiles were hitting Israeli cities. The Palestinians are sure to do the same thing again.<br /><br /> But this time Israel won't just be defending itself from Saddam. His allies in the territories are sure to take up arms to make the lives of Israelis even more miserable.<br /><br /> In the meantime, we might see Palestinians elections. We might see a continued crumbling of Arafat's power. We may even see Arafat's defeat.<br /><br /> But will this mean the end of the intifada? We doubt it. At least not while tensions remain as high between the Western world and the Arab world.<br /><br /> Let's hope we can all show the same patience as our friends and family in Israel have shown. Two years and counting…</p> <p> </p>

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