And May They Rest in Peace

By: Dr. Eyad El Sarraj*

[Gaza - 2 March 2004] -  I sat on my desk determined to write an article for Al-Quds newspaper expressing my “free” opinion about what is happening in our society. I started with the officials, those deluded with the power of their positions, media people, those hallucinating about the power of freedom of expression, and citizens, those cheated by the absence of rule of law. An internal voice urged me "what's up with you…can you not save your head in time of turmoil?"

I thought to write about the Legislative Council, the Parliament and its obvious opposition for elections! and about the Palestinian Authority. But, I felt an internal call saying, "why beating the dead? "

Then, I thought to write about the man who was unemployed, who suddenly became a director, now conceited, bragging and showing off and searching for new resources for wealth through his job. But I preferred not to write about this issue so that none of them suspect that I am insinuating to write about him. And they are many.

So, I decided to write about "Sharon", who most probably does not read Al-Quds Newspaper and if it happens that one of his consultants translated this article to him, he will not be harmful. He has not done anything against dozens of Israeli writers who curse the day that he came to power. We did not hear of him sending the "Disciplinary Squad" to anyone. We did not hear of him shooting at the house of any one of his critics. We did not hear that he arrested any of them.

Then, as the habit goes in the Arab world, talking about Sharon is the best and safest way out. But just in case Sharon getting mad enough to send ground-to-ground missile, I have decided to write about him as a "hero" of Zionism, and how, with wisdom and courage, he was able to place Israel on the map starting when he was a soldier until he became, competently, the Prime Minister. From the early days he was able to move the battle to the ground of the enemy and he was able to kill of the Palestinians and the Arabs doubles and doubles of what was killed of Israelis. He established the settlements and enlarged them.  He persevered on the grand dream of the Promised Land and the liberation of Israel. The most important achievement of Sharon is that he was able to turn the clock back and that by itself is extraordinary.

To say the truth, Sharon was banking on the help the Palestinians in every stage and they obliged. So he stopped the Oslo Peace process. Then he started to destroy its consequences one by one. He brought back the fist of the occupation full and harsh on the Gaza Strip and West Bank. He choked the political movement by arresting the Palestinian Authority president who became the symbol that is unreachable where no one dares to demand his removal and he destroyed the infrastructure of the Palestinian Authority. Then Sharon declared his joining the USA in the War Against Terror noticeably achieved victory in killing and detaining thousands. Then decided that there is no partner for Israel in the peace process. He was able to pull out all of that magic with a credible cleverness. He concentrated on the individual person of Yasser Arafat, but failed Abu Mazen, and still does not want to meet with Abu Ala'a. The ultimate goal of all this is not to have a Palestinian partner and not to have anyone claiming to represent the Palestinians facing Sharon on the negotiation table.

In fact, Sharon has decided that all Palestinians, including Arafat or Abu Ala'a are case of refugees, who deserve some craps and crumbs to be thrown at them. But, he is insisting that this does not give them the right to demand a state, which will definitely threaten Israel one day. In fulfillment of this decision, he declared the plan of withdrawal from Gaza. Thus he has thrown everyone in a dilemma of wondering if they should support or oppose his plan. At the same time he is pursuing the building of the separation wall which was almost completely able to stop the "terror" suicide operation in Israel.

Sharon is keenly marching crowned with success to convert Gaza into a quagmire, where the leaders of militias will kill each other and the fighting tribes will be drowning in an ocean of blood. He is aware of the fact that Arabs are not good in managing coalitions or unity, despite their slogans and they (Arabs) are not able to manage their conflicts that will turn into battle over power. He is ready at all times to send more and more of arms to all of them in order to accomplish the mission. The moment that anyone of them poses a possible threat to Israel he will send the Phantom planes and missiles to eliminate him and his family.

That is how the Palestinian community in Gaza will be converted into what resembles the pieces of meat on the burner, where Sharon adds oil to complete the grilling. That is a clever plan which shows that Sharon studied and comprehended us and deals accordingly. He will be happy when the militia will move against the people to kill them and steal their money. Then the Palestinians will be occupied with tribal ruling mediations and Solhas. They will accuse each other of spying collaboration and of infidelity. Then trading of arms and drugs will be booming. All of which, will achieve Sharon's goal of killing the Palestinian people but by Palestinians.

By doing this, Sharon deserves the title of "king of Israel" if not "the Middle East". He was able to do all of that because he understands his enemies, the Arabs; how their leaders adore the chairs and positions more than the homeland and how unwisely they think by offering him all the pretexts to oppress and destroy them. Sharon may have had some suspicion that one day the Palestinian Authority dissolves itself and place Israel and him in a tough position. But he is confident that the political leaders, despite their “terrible suffering” on the borders and checkpoints, will not move a muscle to leave their patriotic stand! Some of them are still hoping to be directors, or even ministers, with more suits, privileges and brand new cars.

When I was done writing this article, I was sure that not only Sharon will not read it, but none of the Palestinian leaders will read it either. May they all rest in peace.

* Dr Eyad Sarraj - Palestinian Psychiatrist, Chairman of the Commission of Citizens Rights and Physician for Human Rights Awardee.   Harvard University, Ph.D.