If you had the power to determine the policy of each middle eastern country, what actions would you take to ensure the peaceful co-existence of all religions and races in the region and respect for individual human rights?
Keep in mind Israeli military policy, ununiformed militant groups that lack a state, UN resolutions (specifically 1559 and 242)and where the border lines should be.

Personally, I would begin by halting ALL military action by Israel and announce this to the world. They would adhere by resolution 242 and demand that resolution 1559 be respected, while maintaining a pacifist stance.
If Hezbollah or other groups that desire the destruction of Jews continue to atack civilians, the onus would be on the UN and the rest of the world to respond.

Here's my list:

* disarming of all armed militias and paramilitaries throughout the region. Giving nation states the monopoly on military force is still preferable to any of the alternatives.
* comprehensive peace agreements with the remaining states bordering Israel (Lebanon and Syria) similar to the peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan.
*In Syria's case, this means the return of the entire Golan Heights in exchange for security guarantees for Israel including demilitarized zones in the border areas.
* a resolution of the territorial dispute between Syria and Lebanon over the Shebaa Farms section of the Golan.
* complete withdrawal of IDF forces from the entire West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza and their replacement with a robust UN peacekeeping force.
* a genuine roadmap for Palestinian statehood including systematic strengthening of Palestinian social, political, economic and security institutions.
* either the dismantling of Jewish settlements inside the West Bank and East Jerusalem or their incorporation into an independent Palestine (if Arabs can be Israeli citizens, Jews can be Palestinian citizens).
* in exchange for all of the above, Palestinians would give up their right to return to Israel proper. Some form of compensation by the international community should be negotiated.
* withdrawal of all foreign military forces from the region (including US forces from Iraq) with the sole exception of UN forces that are in place to enforce the above comprehensive settlement.

[ 20 July 2006: Message edited by: John K ]

[ 20 July 2006: Message edited by: John K ]