A couple of things have been troubling me for a few days.. but I really have had no time to write abt them over the past few days.. but now that I have some time...

first, the fact that a new peace process and settlement policy has been agreed upon by former diplomats from Israel and Palestine. Now, this deal is an alternative peace deal. However, everyone has condemned it outright. These people are trying to bring peace to this region and have actually embarassed the current govts of Palestine and Israel by proving that a viable yet arguable option is on the horizon; but rather than paying the policy due attention, both govts have outrightly rejected it and what is more, they have labelled the negotiators as traitors!!

why? how? ... the least u can do is pay attention to the ideas put forth in the deal. Anything would be better than the current carnage and bloodhsed in the Middle East. The deal makes important concessions on both sides. Palestinians lose the right of return while Israel will have to give up its insistence on having Jerusalem. The deal is the fairest yet. It deserves a bit more respect and attention than it has recieved. We as a society have to re-evaluate our priorities if we reject peace in such an outright manner.

second, The American Missile Defense system seems to be back on the table. It dissappeaed for a while after Sept 11th in the sea of other foreign policy moves. This idea troubles me deeply. I am glad that Canada has not joined in with the US towards this plan. I hope we stay the course. However, the United States needs a "soft power" or "middle power" like Canada to become a part of the plan. This will soften world opinion if Canada is onboard. Since, we have a good reputation in the world as a peaceful and just nation, the US's policy will not seem so harsh or even imperial anymore. However, since Canada has not signed on to the plan as of yet, the United States has gone out and lobbied for and successfully recruited Australia to the plan. Australia is arguably the second or third most important middle power in the world and their inclusion into this plan is nothing more than a public opinion ploy by the US.

i need to sleep really badly.. i'll write more later.