Yes it could. But will it be allowed to?
Poverty is a growing concern around the world, resulting in governments and organizations finally beginning to understand the importance of incorporating economic strategies into methods meant to alleviate a wide array of social problems. Organizations like HAMAS may think there is something noble about running around with an empty stomach and closed fist, but they couldn't be more wrong. Such an idea must be rejected outright.
Quite honestly, I have never heard of anyone discuss any real viable paradigm for a Palestinian economy that would result in true community empowerment the day that independence comes. Yes, we've heard that Palestine must integrate its economy with Israel, and perhaps Jordan, but I doubt there is any viable blueprint ready to be put into action the moment the opportunity arises. And there is probably a reason for that beyond the often-heard rhetoric that it's because Palestinians aren't interested in such things. It's actually the reverse ... mostly likely because their neighbors aren't interested in such things.
As we all know by now, the Middle East is a place where neither ethnic groups nor nations trust each other easily, nor is it a place where anyone goes out of their way to share resources with "the other." So, let me ask you this ... does anyone really think that any of the Palestinians' neighbors -- Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, or Saudi Arabia -- want to see a Palestinian economy in legitimate competition with their own? Since self-interest is always at stake, why would they?
It's doubtful Palestinian independence could be much more than words on paper if its economy is institutionalized not to be allowed to compete with its neighbors or in the global marketplace. Who is going to invest in a place with limited options? Oh sure, everyone will want to come and get a contract the day independence is declared to build infrastructure, housing, etc. Jobs will be created at first, and cronies will get rich, but after we fast forward the tape a few years, then what?
Stop and think about this ... Palestine's immediate trading partners will be its neighbors -- the very ones who are the most motivated to forge the Palestinian economy to augment, rather than compete, with their own. Hence, they'll forge the Palestinian economy to be what's best for them, not what's best for Palestinians. And, if you look beyond the rhetoric, you'll see how none of Palestine's neighbors have truly invested in its population, at a time when the population was dependent, with the intention to ready them for independence. What do you think they will do when Palestine will be left to fend for itself? Can we ignore the very real possibility that the Palestinians' strong neighbors -- well connected to the global economy while also holding the largest minority populations of Palestinians -- will be the ones to determine what an independent Palestine will manufacture and trade, not Palestinians themselves? And, if that's the case, what kind of sovereignty and independence is that? Ink and paper independence, people, along with lots of pats on the back of course. Meanwhile, poverty will continue and nobody will care because they don't care now.
I know I sound quite pessimistic here, but we must discuss realistic possibilities rather than live in a fantasy world where we're assured a happy ending. Competition and poverty are real and they are fierce. Unfortunately, we so rarely hear any honest and weighty discussion about "the day after" where Palestine is concerned. It's like, just close our eyes, hold our breath, and hope that things will work out for the best, as if political and social solutions just self-organize. That's no strategy at all. Palestinians better wake up and start planning. And not just them, but their neighbors too. Rather than continue on the same path where each takes care of itself and lives in a paradigm of neighborhood rivalry, thereby limiting growth potential, together they need an integrated strategy to create social stability for the entire region.
We need to get creative, and get together. I have my ideas on how Palestine may be able to sustain itself and create a viable economy, which I'd be glad to share later, but first I'd like to listen to some of the ones you all may have.
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