[HedgeYourBets]

A number of people have come to this forum, in the past as well as lately, who are critical of Israel's actions. They claim that instead of starting a war, Israel should negotiate instead.

OK, I for one would like to be convinced that such a proposition was realistic. The idea behind this thread is simple. I propose a role play to test how such negotiations would work. I will assume the role of the spokesman of say the Lebanese Government, Hezbollah or Hamas. Your role is to show me how Israel should have negotiated instead of re-invading Gaza and Lebanon.

All are welcome to participate. To the advocates of negotiations: This is your chance to put up a convincing case and show us how Israel SHOULD HAVE DONE IT (at least in your opinion). Take your chance, who knows, we might learn something from your approach, or of course you might learn something or we might both learn something.

[tgs]

Palestinian Popular Resistance Committee (PRC): - We have your soldier and we will release him only after you release all women prisoners and our children who are in your prisons.

We will will continue the shelling of Sderot and other places so long as you continue the occupation!

Nassrallah: - We have two of your soldiers but we are willing to release team only after you agree to a prisoner swap. Release all the Lebanese prisoners that you hold and you get your soldiers back.

We already ambushed and killed 8 of your soldiers who tried a rescue, so you would better cooperate or we will unleash very unpleasant surprises against you!

[NeroASERCH]

Titus

Good point but let's try it anyway. After all, both sides can object if someone tries to be too unrealistic. I know, it may not work out but let's just give it a try....let's give it a chance and see where it takes us.

Who knows, we may both gain new perspectives?

[tgs]

Are we going to go into the future when the next desire comes up and the terrorism and/or kidnapping has proven itself an effective tool to bludgeon concessions out of Israel, and the psychological impact of that on the likely amount of terror?

[radikal]

MGB8

I think that this idea of reverse role play has can take us in a number of directions. It can be as good and as effective as we make it. I encourage people from both sides of the debate to contribute, comment, suggest and criticise as we proceed. I'm sure that as usual, people will disagree with each other but even that might help us see and understand each other's point of view better....inshallah....oops I mean: hopefully.

[Drugmachine]

Actually I would be very keen to hear what people think the Hezbollah or Palestine would want to stop attacking Israel.

Land, freedom to prisoners, parts of the holy land itself?

What does everyone think? And try and be 'neutrel'... (did I spell that right?)

[radikal]

No Kiwi Chap, the spelling is "neutral"

Nasrallah: Israeel needs to give back the stolen land and compensate the Palestinian people for their suffering.

PRC - one of many Palestinian organisations (the one responsible for the latest kidnapping): Ditto.....what Nasrallah said...

[Raj_Copi_Jin]

Thanks Kiwi Chap, I think it's a great idea (if I must say so myself ) And for that reason, I won't answer your questions here. I am willing to answer it elsewhere though, just nominate a thread.

I would like to dedicate this thread solely to the role play (maybe with some side discussions about the role play itself nothing else please. Otherwise it will lose it's flow. Hope you don't mind Kiwi Chap.