Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden dead - Barack Obama
Osama Bin Laden is dead. His atrocities and willingness to fight to the death always made a violent end the most likely. Al-Qaeda's structure and ideology however mean his loss is likely to be more symbolic than substantive. What should provide more substantive hope for a peaceful world are two other recent developments in the Middle East which have a far greater potential to undermine Al-Qaeda.
Peoples in Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Yemen have all stood up and demanded greater democracy and freedom. It is well understood that where there is disenfranchisement and deprivation that extreme ideologies find less resistance. A proliferation of democracy, freedom and hope will strike far greater fear in extremists than the loss of any leader.
The plight of the Palestinians has often been cited as a justification by extremist groups. It is therefore extremely welcome to see Fatah and Hamas have reached an agreement to work together. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed a rather negative view on the development.
Netanyahu: Hamas-Fatah unity deal should worry all those who care about peace
Netanyahu must appreciate that a peace deal that doesn't involve all Palestinians is no deal at all. Clearly Hamas must disavow its stated aim of the destruction of Israel. It stands to reason this change is more likely working in partnership with the more moderate Fatah party. Peace in Northern Ireland was only possible when all groups were represented. Only when all sides have a stake in peace can it truly have a chance. Only when condemnation of atrocities is unequivocal from all sides can terrorism be defeated. Only when people of all sides say enough is enough will terrorists find their support crumble and their motivation questioned.
Egypt urges US to back Palestinian state declaration
The US has done the world a great service in the removal of Bin Laden but it needs to do all it can to support the evolving nascent democracies in the Middle East, whilst having the courage and determination to help bring about a settlement between Israelis and Palestinians.
With the democratic changes happening in Israel's close neighbours the region must complete its transformation with a state for Palestinian people to fulfil their potential and live peacefully alongside Israel.
It is democracy and freedom that will bring greater moderation in the Middle East and ultimately greater peace and security across the globe.
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