On January 18th, Aljazeera published an opinion piece entitled “What is next for Palestine?” by Ramzy Baroud* :
“In this article, I sought the opinion of 14 independent Palestinian intellectuals from across Palestine and the diaspora. Although they subscribe to different ideological schools of thought and come from different generations and locations, they shared a lot of ideas.”
I have taken these 14 opinions, albeit out of context, and have summarized the major conclusions that they hold in common. It some respects it is an analysis of an analysis. The weaknesses in this method are obvious, starting from who are these 14 opinionators? However, on some very broad issues there is a consensus, maybe it is representative. Look at the number of x’s, implying agreement. Let’s see:
INTERNATIONALUnify all Palestinians, including the diaspora: x x x x x xEstablish a financial support system from abroad: xMaintain the international strategy for freedom and independence: xReduce reliance on foreign aid: x xUse all Legal tools: x xBDS movement support: x x
POLITICAL LEADERSHIPNeed new leadership: x x x x x x xDismantle the PA: x x x xReconstruct the PLO: x x xThe PA is an Israeli policeman, end security cooperation: x x
POLITICAL SOLUTIONSOne State solution: x x x x x x xRevoke the Oslo Accords: x x x xRight of return: x x x
VIOLENCEArmed resistance, intifada (legitimate uprising against oppression), large-scale popular resistance movement: x x x x x xDismantle Israel: x
CONCLUSIONSOverall, Palestinians would like to see a unified Palestinian front both here and abroad. They are dissatisfied with the current leadership and would like to clean house. They are strongly in favor of a One-State solution and do not want to be tied to what was previously agreed to in Oslo. Ominously, many look to violence as a means of realizing their objectives.
* http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/palestine-180116110352197.html