Middle East Fighting:
Palestinian View
With Daoud Kuttab
Journalist
Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001; TBA p.m. EST

Israel launched new air strikes across the West Bank and Gaza Strip Tuesday and hit a police building near Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's main West Bank offices while he was inside. Arafat was unhurt. The attacks were part of Israel's response to a wave of Palestinian bombings.

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The Netherlands: Would the Palestinians and the Israelis be better of with a new generation of leaders?

Daoud Kuttab: Maybe they would be but this is what we have.

Washington, D.C.: Why do we consistently see a "Yes, but..." type of condemnation of terror from the Palestinians? It seems that no Palestinians are capable of condemning terror without qualifying it in the context of their perceptions of Israeli aggression.

Daoud Kuttab: Who do you mean by "we?"

Arlington, Va.: I for one think at some point, America has to stop apologizing for everything Sharon does and say either cut it out or we are not responsible. Effectively, we can't shut them down but we're still blamed by Arabs.

Daoud Kuttab: The U.S. can't have it both ways. It claims it wants to be an honest broker then it goes ahead and ...

Kaukauna, Wisc.: Is Arafat really the best that the Palestinans can offer as a leader? Is the only alternative to him Hamas and Islamic Jihad? It appears that as long as the radical Palestinians torpedo the peace process with violence, Israel is reasonable to refuse to negotiate with Arafat because he can't deliver on reducing the violence. He can't have it both ways -- I am not responsible for the suicide bombers and I am the only alternative for peace because I can reduce the vlolence on the PA side.

Daoud Kuttab: He might not be the best the Palestinians can offer but he was democractically elected by the Palestinian people and is considered a historic leader the same way Mandela is for South Africans.

Washington, D.C.: Prof. Kuttab, thanks for participating. I just saw that Mr. Regev from the ISr. embassy here in D.C. that groups like Hamas and Jihad (who are reportedly behind the bombings in Israel) are not willing to accept the state of Israel "no matter how small." Is this true? Are these groups protesting the occupation specifically or Israel's right to exist?

Daoud Kuttab: Hamas and Jihad are not clear on this issue. Recently they have said they support a Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders ...

Washington, D.C: I think it is extremely important for Palestinians, Israeli, and indeed the world to know how many Americans are, in fact, not in support of Israel on any level. What is the best or most effective way for us to support Palestine from the U.S?

Daoud Kuttab: Get your message across in the media and to Congress.

Arlington, Va.: Sir, how realistic is it that the Palestinians as a whole will be able to accept new leadership (by choice, not by force or assisination) that will be democratic and most popular? It seems that many educated Palestinians are in support of a democratic, uncorrupt leadership that will represent not only those living in the Occupied Territories, but also the millions of refugees who are of the Palestinian Diaspora.

Daoud Kuttab: We need a process that has elections as part of it, but to get to that process we need an independent and sovereign state.

Washington, D.C.: What are Arafat's reactions?

Daoud Kuttab: To What? To the bombing of his offices, his helicopter and his people?

Indiana, Penn.: Occupation is a comprehensive act of terrorism. Israel has been involved in terroristic acts for a long time. Killing innocent people by Isreael is a normal activity. Why the Arabs and the Arab media do not use the term Israeli terrorism?

Daoud Kuttab: The difference is that Israel is a state and the world doesn't refer to states as terrorists.

Brooklyn, N.Y.: I am Jewish and strongly pro-Israel. And that is why I am disgusted by Sharon's mindless response to the weekend terror. Is there any hope for peace while this prime minister is in office. Rabin's assassin certainly acomplished his goal.

Daoud Kuttab: I believe that both sides are very, very tired of war and violence. We need peace with dignity.

Chicago, Ill.: Hamas claimed responsibility for this weekend's attacks in Jerusalem and Haifa. The Palestinian Authority condemned the attacks. Israel demanded that the PA take immediate action and detain extremists. No sooner had the PA taken steps in this direction than the Israeli Defense Forces launched attacks against PA police and security positions -- presumably the very institutions that would be able to act against extremists.
Israel has done this kind of thing before in response to Hamas attacks. (In early October, for example, the IDF shelled and machine-gunned PA police posts in response to the Hamas-orchestrated attack on Alei Sinai.)
It seems obvious to me that the answer would have to be "yes," but do you believe this kind of Israel response to Hamas attacks makes it much more difficult for the PA to take the actions that Israel demands against terrorists?

Daoud Kuttab: I just heard the foreign minister of France say something to this effect. You can't ask Arafat to do this or that without giving him room to work, his police protection and safe passage and a political process that gives hope to people, this is what he was saying.

Washington, D.C.: What kind of non-answer to my question about condeming Palestinian terror is that? There appears to be a consistent pattern of an utter inablity for Palestinians to condemn terror without qualifying it in terms of their greivances toward Israel. Why is that, Mr. Kuttab?

Daoud Kuttab: Your question was unclear. I do condemn every single act of violence against every single civilian. Is that enough?

Harrisburg, Penn.: I know the Palestinian government does ... but do the overwhelming majority of the Palestinian people recognize Israel's right to exist?

Daoud Kuttab: I can't speak for every single Palestinian. But to be honest with you this issue is overworked. The reality is today 3 million Palestinians are caged like chickens with Sharon holding the key.

Neelsville, Md.: Why should we sympathize with the Palestinian cause when there has been no voice for peace or even reason eminating from their leaders. It's been three generations since Israel was formed, why isn't there one Palestinian leader who advocates a peaceful agenda or renounces suicide bombing of children by children? Why should Israel even TALK with Arafat when he's either unwilling or unable to rein in the perpetrators of terror?

Daoud Kuttab: What news do you read? We want peace. Last week one of Arafat's appointees, Dr. Sari Nuseibeh, even gave up the right of Palestinians to return to their homeland -- a right that is enshrined in U.N. resolutions.

Lexington, Va.: Dear Sir,

My perception of the Palestinian Authority is that it says one thing to the elites of Europe and to the press while it turns around and says something completely different in Arabic to the Palestinian people. Your comments ...

Daoud Kuttab: Listen to what it says in Arabic to its own people on local and Arab satellite stations.

Washington, D.C.: All of America watched film clips of Palestinians celebrating in the streets after the attack on America on September 11th. Do the Palestinian people really think such attacks on non-combatants are justified, and do they really expect the world to support their cause when pro-Palestinian groups such as Hamas openly admit to intentially targeting civilians.

Daoud Kuttab: No, I don't think that Palestinians think this way. Listen to what the U.S. consul general in Jerusalem said. He said he has a huge dossier of satements and letters of support to America and against terrorism.

College Park, Md.: Many people see the transparency of Sharon's declaring Arafat and the Palestinian leadership as terrorists. The U.S. should immediately condemn this latest action before there is an even greater outpouring of violence there and abroad.

I for one was just starting to relax and travel until last night's new developments.

Daoud Kuttab: I am glad that someone sees the truth. But this is not the only problem, the problem is how we move to real peace and stop the killing and suffering.

Los Angeles, Calif.: Do you think the majority of Palestinians are in fact willing to accept a viable Zionist entity or do they still dream of the destruction of Israel and throwing the Jews into the sea, hence the seeming popularity of Hamas and Hezbollah?

Daoud Kuttab: Again the same question as before but the answer is clear we want a Palestinian state alongside Israel -- not instead of it, the reality is, does Israel really want Palestinians to have their state?

Daoud Kuttab: There is no question.

St. Louis, Mo.: Are the Israelis or Arabs better off today than they were before Israeli statehood?

Daoud Kuttab: I am not sure I follow your question.

Arlington, Va.: How do you justify the killing of innocent women and children by Arab terrorists? How can you equate that with Israel going after military targets?

Daoud Kuttab: Excuse me. In one year more than 800 Palestinians including over 100 children were killed by Israel. All the Israelis that were killed in this period are about 200 -- many of them soldiers and settlers living illegally on occupied lands

Neelsville, Md, Again ...: With all due respect, you didn't answer my question. I read several newspapers every day, and I challenge you to name one member of a recognized Palestinian peace movement. I'll make it easy for you. Name the movement, not the person. Israel has an active peace movement, Palestinians do not. That's why Israel has the moral high ground. Everyone wants peace, it takes more than desire ... it takes action, so your response was rather pedantic.

Daoud Kuttab: Israel is an occupying power. Peace requires Israel to withdraw. Palestinian peace movements are many every Palestinian who wants a state next to Israel is in my eyes a peace lover they include Arafat's fatah, and all other PLO organizations.

Falls Church, Va.: Thank you for your time and your brave comments. For those of us who don't know, can you please explain what you mean by the 1967 borders or war?

Daoud Kuttab: In June 5, 1967 Israeli troops conquered the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) Gaza, Sinai and the Golan, shortly thereafter the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution # 242 calling this occupation "inadmissable" and calling on Israeli troops to withdraw from occupied territories.

Potomac, Md.: Arafat's own Fatah organization personally took credit for a terrorist act against Israeli citizens just last week. What do you have to say about this?

Daoud Kuttab: The Fatah party didn't take responsibility but a renegade faction did.

Fairfax, Va.: You consider the "militant" PLO organizations to be peace-loving? Equate suicide bombers with peace lovers, please.

Daoud Kuttab: None of those I mentioned carry out suicide bombings.

New York, N.Y.: It seems that once violence begins, the majority of people in any situation who wish to pursue ordinary lives suddenly swing towards extreme visions that then reinforce themselves. This seems to be true between Israel-Palestine over the past 14 months just as it has been true here in the past two. Do you find this to be true amongst Palestinians? And if so, what steps do you think can be taken that would lead both Palestinians and Isrealis to begin to retreat from extremist positions and begin building a realistic and viable peace including a sovereign Palestinian state?

Daoud Kuttab: Good question. It is very hard to pull people to the middle when there is violence and war, people do go to extremes. I wish I could easily answer your question.

Washington, D.C.: Why has every single state in the Arab world, including the Palestinian authority, failed to establish an open democratic free market regime?

Daoud Kuttab: The problem is not free marker but free democracy. I agree with you. But for your information, Israel is a democracy only for Jews not for all its citizens. See what they are doing to Azmi Bishara?

Northern Virginia: Does Arafat regard the events of Sept. 11 as having changed the way the U.S. regards terrorism? The American people distinguish between military action against military targets and terrorism directed against unarmed civilians, but the Palestinians seem not to agree with this distinction. Is terrorism a legitimate tactic? If not, why shouldn't Israel retaliate?

Daoud Kuttab: Arafat does believe that 9/11 changed things but unfortunately he has been unable to stop every fanatic from carrying out acts against civilians. The problem is worse when the militants' leader is assasinated a few days before the U.S. delegation comes, this is a clear act of provocation since Sharon knows that they will revenge and thus the terrible cycle of violence was fed rather than broken.

Washington, D.C.: Before the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, is it not true that these areas were occupied by the Egyptian military? How come your gripe is only against Israel and not the Egyptians who occupied you before the current Israeli occupation?

Daoud Kuttab: I was 14 at the time. Give me a break.

Georgetown: You criticize Israel, but Israel at least is a democracy. Why can't the Palestinians choose who their leader is -- or any Arabs in any Arab countries, for that matter?

Are you guys scared of democracy?

Daoud Kuttab: I am not scared of democracy but many Arab leaders are. By the way the U.S. has kept these leaders in power because it wants cheap oil and yes men.

Rockville, Md.: Can you comment on the other Arab states complicity in the violence that gets perpetuated through Palestine? The bombs have to come from somewhere. Can't the U.N. or other trusted parties enforce border security at a level that can make a difference for both sides?

Daoud Kuttab: The truth is that the bombs come from Israel. The borders are sealed tight. They are bought in the black market from Jewish (some say Russian Jewish) mafia.

Biloxi, Miss.: Do Palestinians want peace or do they want Israel destroyed?

Daoud Kuttab: Have you been reading what I wrote or are you trying to make a statement?

Alexandria, Va.: You say "Israel is a democracy only for Jews not for all its citizens."

Doesn't every citizen of Israel, including Israeli Arabs, get to vote for the leaders of their choosing? There are ten Israeli Arabs in the Israeli Knesset, and nine of them are extremely radical members of the opposition.

Daoud Kuttab: One member is being tried for speaking his mind. Also Palestinian Arabs are excluded from many benefits which are termed in various languages to exempt them (like saying this housing is for Hassidic Jews or for soldiers, etc.)

Orange, Calif: P.M. Sharon claims the PA is arresting militants and them releasing them. What is your comment on this?

Daoud Kuttab: Maybe if there is no evidence against them, the problem is political, it is called OCCUPATION.

Fairfax, Va.: I've started to study the conflict. My question is why the Muslim world and Palestians say it's Israel's fault but it seems the militants who send bombs first.

Thanks.

Daoud Kuttab: Always violence is more heard than moderate words.

Somewhere, USA: How come I've NEVER seen mention of an Israeli suicide bomber or an Israeli car bomb. The Israelis seem to bomb in retalitaion, but never without provocation. Even if you don't like what you consider an "occupation" why do the Palestinians carry out their message in this violent way?

Daoud Kuttab: I agree generally with you. Remember the Israeli settler who entered a mosque in Hebron and shot 29 kneeling worshippers before they killed him. This man, Barachu Goldseitn, has a memorial in Kiryat Arba.

Nutley, N.J.: On the Palestinian side, I never hear anything that sounds like a willingness to compromise, to concede that both sides may be at fault, and to sit down and negotiate. I feel that the extinction of Israel is the only position that Palestinians really have, and that maybe Israeli violence is justified. Is this too pessimistic a view?

Daoud Kuttab: Can you quote me any Palestinian in the last 10 years calling for "extinction" of Israel. I earlier spoke about Sari Nusseibeh, a Arafat appointee who is calling on Palestinians to reconsider their right of return.

Andover, Mass: You keep talking about "occupation" but isn't it true that 95% of the population is outside the control of the army (and 60% of the land)?

Daoud Kuttab: Populated cities are surrounded by soldiers who control entry and exit of people and goods.

NYC: If Palestinians got their own state (and they had plenty of opportunity to form one pre-1967), how could we be assured it would be a democracy, and not just a harbor for terrorists?

Daoud Kuttab: First there was never any offer for a Palestinian state. Give me the Israeli leader who made such an offer. Secondly I hope it would be a democracy, but look how Israel has made peace with a number of countries who I doubt would pass your definition of democracy.

Alexandria, Va.: You say of the suicide bombs that "The truth is that the bombs come from Israel. The borders are sealed tight. They are bought in the black market from Jewish (some say Russian Jewish) mafia"?

What is the basis for this incredible statement? Are you one of those crazies who think the Israelis attacked the World Trade Center while they were at it?

Daoud Kuttab: The source is the Israeli media. I repeat, the borders outside Israel/Palestine to Jordan and Egypt are sealed, can you explain to me where they come from, if you think I am making this comparison?

College Park, Md.: If Yasser Arafat is indeed asassinated during this current round of actions, who will take over as head of the Palaestinian government? If he was democratically elected, what could possibly be the outcome of this situation?

Daoud Kuttab: The person who would take over in the proper succession is the speaker of our legislative council, Mr. Ahmad Qureei (Abu Ala'a) the architect of the Oslo agreement.

Bowie: Can you recommend any books widely available in America that elucidate the Palestinian viewpoint and are up to date?

Daoud Kuttab: Look up Edward Said's book, the question of Palestine. Or go to the Web site www.amin.org

Columbia, Md.: What is the likelihood in your opinion that Yasser Arafat will leave office in the near future and who might replace him?

Daoud Kuttab: I just responded, leave office, i.e., resign is unlikely.

Portland, Ore.: Now that Sharon has the "green light" from the USA to propagate his agenda of toppling the PA, do you see any hope for peace?

Daoud Kuttab: slim

Andover, Mass: Jibril Rajub, a Palestinian security leader, said yesterday during a televised interview "that this time, the arrests of extremists will not be a revolving door or a joke like in the past."

What should it be different this time?

Daoud Kuttab: I am not sure what it should be but I know that the PA is serious and wants to bring quiet, I will argue that Sharon doesn't because he has no peace plan.

Washington, D.C.: Honestly, how come democracy, freedom, and modernity have taken place all over the world except the Arab world? Even China is making better progress.

Daoud Kuttab: I agree with you. Maybe the trouble is in western supported Arab regimes whom Washington is not interested in changing them. Maybe change will not be in the interest of America, even if it is democratic.

Washington, D.C.: In response to an Israeli leader not offering a Palestinian state. Ehud Barak risked his political life in order to reach a negotiated compromise on a Palestinian state. Was it not Arafat and the PA that rejected his offer?

Daoud Kuttab: His offer included humiliating clauses like calling on Israel to have sovereignty over the third holiest mosque in Islam and for Israel to control most of East Jerusalem and to provide Palestine as a collection of islands. You are right he risked his political life, and I am sorry he was not reelected, things were not solved in one meeting but they were going the right way. The problem is that he wanted a take it or leave it answer.

Maplewood, N.J.: For all of eternity, people have lost land in battles -- that's just the way it is. Why should Palestinians expect the world to arrange that land they lost in battle to be given back to them?

Daoud Kuttab: So you think Iraq should have been allowed to keep Kuwait or are you saying might is right?

Lexington, Va.: Do you really think that violence directed at Israel (by Arabs) would cease if Israel withdrew to its pre-1967 borders and a Palestinian state were created?

Daoud Kuttab: Every sane person in Israel and the world thinks so. Bring in NATO if that can help.

Waldorf, Md.: What do you think the solution to the problem (occupation) is that would satisfy the majority of Palestinians?

Daoud Kuttab: End the occupation as President Bush said.

Seattle, Wash.: Mr. Kuttab, do you think U.S. policy should be more concerned with nation building in Israel and Palestine than Afghanistan? After all, it is the strife in the Holy Land that is the root of much of the region's problems, and at least with the Palestinians and the Israelis we have more of the fundamentals in place for success.

Daoud Kuttab: I think that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands is a major problem that has poisoned the air, ending it and creating a Palestine that is free and democratic alongside a safe Israel within secured borders is the best way out of the current international crisis.

Washington, D.C.: You are quite terse in your responses, so I'll ask questions that require only brief answers. Please answer them only with "Yes", "No", or "I don't know".

1. Do you believe that Israel is a democracy?
2. Do you believe that the September 11 attacks on Washington DC and New York City were acts of terrorism?
3. Do you believe the state of Israel was responsible for the September 11 attacks?

Daoud Kuttab: 1. Yes, Israel is a democracy for Jews.
2. Yes, September 11 acts were terrorism.
3. No, I don't think Israel had anything to do with 9/11.

Boston, Mass.: I think merely talking about occupation is missing many important occurrences in history. You talk about Israel's occupation since 1967, but it was the Arabs who started that war (and destroyed the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem) along with many others. Then again in 1973. If my neighbor were to continuously try to destroy me, I would take action and improve security. I would have preferred that Israel take the high ground and not build settlements, but at the same time it is understandable considering the behavior Israel has faced. Can you comment on Arab behavior towards Israel in the past and the problems this is causing now, and what the Palestinians will do about it.

Daoud Kuttab: You are right that '73 was started by ARABS but 1967 wasn't I was young but I remember that Monday morning june 5 when Israel launched its war on us. Yes, Arabs have made many mistakes. They have given lip service to Palestinians they have lied to their people and they have often used Palestine to stay in power. Palestinians have also made many mistakes, terrorism (some acts by Palestinians are terrorism) is one. Also we have not succeeded in using opportunities and unifying our own people.

Andover, Mass: You appear to present your case as if all problems will be solved by returning to the 1967 borders.

Why were the Arabs fighting Israel before that?

Daoud Kuttab: Before 1967 Israel had been created against unilaterally and had refused to allow the refugees to return in violation of U.N. resoluton 194.

Syracuse, NY: Why haven't the Egyptians, Saudis, and other Arab nations made the Palestinian question a priority?

Daoud Kuttab: ask them

San Diego, Calif.: The violence from both sides is dispicable. But, what really riles me is the U.S.'s blanket support for Israel no matter what! Are Arab states such as Egypt, Syria, the Saudis, et.al., just going to sit back and let Israel do what Hitler tried to do to them without a fight or are they afraid of the consequences?

Daoud Kuttab: Pass.

Vienna, Va.: I am learning a lot in this discussion. Could you elaborate on what options a typical 18 year old Palestinian young man in Gaza has. Can he find employment? Can he go to college? Is he deeply religious? What kind of peer pressure is he exposed to? Does he see a positive future?

Daoud Kuttab: I would have to write my PhDon your question. No or few jobs. One million Palestinains trapped in a 30 square mile strip. Religion is attractive in such cases.

Fairfax, Va.: Is it true that Muslim is the only religion that has the term Jihad?

Daoud Kuttab: In Islam there are two kinds of Jihad (which means struggle and not holy war). The small jihad is a holy war but the big jihad is the struggle within a person and his own temptations. As to other religions esposing holy war see the crusaders and look up the old testament about buring villages with people and animals, etc.

New York, N.Y.: American perception of the situation is key in getting support for Palestine. Why is there not more of an effort by the Palestinians to win over the American public. Israel's lobby is strong -- but truth is stronger.

Daoud Kuttab: We are trying, you are right truth will one day prevail.

NYC: Why is there no concerted effort to show the media and the world the deplorable conditions that Palestinians live under, in an effort to counteract the Israeli attempts to demonize them and to show the magnitude of the suffering that is created by the occupation?

Daoud Kuttab: Agreed any ideas, my e-mail is dkuttab@yahoo.com.

Washington, D.C.: What are you thoughts on the Bush administration's decision to back Israel on their campaign against Arafat? How does Israel expect Arafat to contain the violence if all of his efforts are undermined? And also, what do you think is Israel's goal, what will happen after they destroy the spirit of the Palestinian Authority?

Daoud Kuttab: The Bush administration is 100% wrong. they have a general with an impossible mission. this made his job even harder

Wheaton, Md.: I think you mis-stated the truth earlier. While Israel fired the first shots in the '67 war, they didn't start it. It was a pre-emptive strike against an Arab build up that had been going on for months. Do you deny this?

Daoud Kuttab: Now you are back peddling. The Israelis shot the first rounds, occupied lands it has always covetted and has refused to leave, leaving thousands of people on both sides dead and injured.

Rockville, Md.: Do you believe Yasser Arafat has acted responsibly in his response to terrorist activities by organizations such as Hamas?

Daoud Kuttab: I wish he could have done more, but he is in a difficult situation, twice in the last week he tried to arrest militant Islamists and his police were attacked by angry Palestinians who look around and see no hope. You have to give hope to people and not just ask for arrests. Israel is not the only party that wants and needs peace.

Kansas City, Kan.: If the Palestinians really want peace, they should work hard with whatever land they have to become prosperous. Israel has made the desert blossom like the rose. The Palestinians can do likewise. Stop the intifada!

Daoud Kuttab: Palestinian lands are seiged, Israeli soldiers bar movement of people and goods and is shelling the few cities we have control over. I wish it was as simple as your question.

Seattle, Wash.: Do you think that Shimon Peres will eventually speak out against Sharon's actions?

Daoud Kuttab: He already has and his party refused to participate in the last decision, they are thinking of leaving the government.

Washington, D.C.: In hindsight, how big a mistake, or was it, for Arafat not to accept the Clinton Camp David proposals?

Daoud Kuttab: Time will tell.

Washington, D.C.: In your opinion, how much does the ignorance of the American public about the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza play into the generally favorable impression (some might say bias toward) of Israel? I tend to think that most Americans don't understand the basic relationship between the two sides.

Daoud Kuttab: Agreed. But it is not just information it is also lobying and lying to the public about the reality of U.S. interests.

Washington, D.C.: How come the Palestinaians, who NEVER had a state in history didn't accept a state in 1948? How come between 1948-1967, the Palestinaians never set up a state? How come the Palestianians never say that it their fellow Arabs who keep them in squalid refugee camps, and not the Israelis?

Daoud Kuttab: We were not offered as a people and a leadership any state in 1948, Arabs (like Jordan and Egypt) had a different agenda.

Washington, D.C.: You mentioned before a man named Azmi Bishara. Who is he and what does his story tell us about Israeli democracy?

Daoud Kuttab: Azmi Bishara is an elected member of the Israel Knesset, a Palestinian who is a citizen of Israel. He was stripped of his immunity because of statements he made in public about the Israeli occupation of Lebanon and how the people of Lebanon forced Israel. He is going to be tried soon.

Cambridge, Mass.: Do you think Sharon should be tried at a war crimes tribunal for crimes against humanity?

Daoud Kuttab: A Belguim court is hearing such a case for his role in the massacre in Sabra and Shattila. If there is justice he should never have been allowed to dirty the White house by his presence there.

Orlando, Fla.: I could name off the top of my head numerous Israeli peace songs. Could you name ONE Palestinian peace song?

Daoud Kuttab: THE PLO and all its factions who want a Palestinian state alogside Israel. The head of the PLO received a Noble Peace Prize.

NYC: Are you surprised that a country like the U.S., whose history is based on defeating an oppressive regime, is not more supportitve of the Palestinian struggle. Do you think this lack of support is based on racism or the Jewish lobby?

Daoud Kuttab: Probably the pro-Israel lobby but also some racism and ignorance.

Chicago, Ill.: To what extent can Arafat actually limit Hamas' and others' attacks? It seems unreasonable to me to demand seven days peace from Arafat, even if he were to arrest every one of the people on Israel's list of terrorists? This demand seems to give the power to the extremists on both sides.

Daoud Kuttab: Absolutely, it is a trap created by Sharon who says that Palestinians must be quiet but doesn't agree to quiet his own soldiers.

Ithaca, N.Y.: In the face of overwhelming force, would the strategy of non-violence on the part of Palestinians against Israeli occupation be more effective than current strategies of violence?

Daoud Kuttab: I wish it can, but the attempts that have been tried were not very successful.

Orlando, Fla.: You didn't answer my question. Do the Palestinan people sing for peace? Do they yearn for peace? Do they teach peace in their schools? So they preach peace in their media? You can't answer because the answer is no.

Daoud Kuttab: You asked the wrong person. I personally produced a program for children with an Israeli partner that was aimed at tolerance and mutual respect. The program was aired on television, but the reality has been so harsh. Everybone in every Palestinian yearns for peace and not for zion nor for settlements in stolen lands.

Washington, D.C.: I take it that Israel insists that Israel will and always must be a "Jewish" state. Is this a point that Palestinians have a problem major with?

Daoud Kuttab: Problem yes, can we live with it yes but we need our own state and a fair settlment of the refugee problem as well

Rockville, Md.: To further your statements on Azmi Bishara, he is an elected official for the state of Israel. He is being tried for treason because he encouraged Palestinian resistance in public forums. I believe the same would be done if an American congressman went to Pakistan and urged resistance to the current American invasion. What is your response to this?

Daoud Kuttab: He said the truth. If he will be tried for speaking the truth then you got your answer. I have yet to see an American tried for speaking the truth in America. Your consitution protects you; Israel doesn't even have a constitution.

Washington, D.C.: What would be a fair, peaceful settlement of the refugee issue?

Daoud Kuttab: A fair settlement of the refugee problem would be for Israel to admit its historic and moral responsibility, for an agreed number of persons (without damaging Israel's demographic problem) to return to Israel proper, for the rest to either return to Palestine, stay where they are or go to a third country and for all to be compenasated for what happened to them.

Washington, D.C.: What will happen next? Where do the the Israelis and Palestinians go from here?

Daoud Kuttab: We pray and pray and pray for an end to this dark chapter in our history, pray for sane persons on both sides as well as in the world to try and deal with the root causes of the problem and as Colin Powell said, end the occupation and as Bush and Blair said, Palestine and Israel should live side by side.

Anchorage, Alaska: Does Palestine have a constitution?

Daoud Kuttab: Palestine is not a state. We have a legal document that is in lieu of a constitution until our state is established.