TOW #19 - "How a Pro-Palestinian American Reporter Changed His Views On Israel And The Conflict" by Hunter Stuart

            The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is arguably like no other, a greater force than that over just land. Much of the time, a person’s opinion on the conflict stems from their religious and/or political views. Justly, an American journalist, Hunter Stuart published an article in earlier February describing his stay in Israel, and moreover, his developed view on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rather than seeing the conflict in the eyes of most Americans, thousands of miles away, Stuart lived through it, marking him as a credible source. In addition, Stuart’s central claim, which is in support of Israel as well as keeping an open mind on the conflict, is in firm agreement with my beliefs. Prior to staying in Israel, Stuart, like many liberal Americans, viewed Palestinians as the “underdog” in the conflict, and therefore was in support of a two-state solution. However, the unfortunate fact, that Stuart remarks is that Israel is surrounded by people who believe Israelis have no place on this earth. He says “Personally, I’m no longer convinced it’s [two-state solution] such a good idea. If the Palestinians are given their own state in the West Bank, who’s to say they wouldn’t elect Hamas, an Islamist group committed to Israel’s destruction?” (Stuart). Stuart aims to highlight the fact that he has seen the behavior between Israelis and Palestinians, and peace is not near reach. It is not as simple as most Americans see it. If Israel loses the Gaza strip, loses Jerusalem, Israel is lost; it rightfully gained that land from the Palestinians, and desperately need it for protection. On the other hand, Stuart’s argument is not biased due to the fact that he explains the importance of keeping an open mind, and looking at both perspectives of the conflict. He remarks, "I guess, at least, I can say that, no matter how socially unacceptable it was, I was willing to change my mind. If only more people would do the same." (Stuart). Both sides, the Israelis and Palestinians, do have valid reasoning as to why certain land belongs to their side, which is why it is necessary to truly seek perspective from both sides. This way, each perspective can be analyzed, and viewpoints can change based on that. Stuart’s mind changed after staying in Israel, something that will stick with him in his travels, and life lessons.

Visual: http://www.jpost.com/Jerusalem-Report/A-view-from-the-frontlines-480829 

 

Caption: "Stuart in Israel"