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UTM professor offers solutions for Middle East peace

Finance professor and Israel native speaks of history, future of the region


Dr. Mahmoud Haddad, professor of Finance, gave an in-depth perspective of the Palestinian and Israeli conflict Friday afternoon in the Watkins Auditorium.

Dr. Haddad is native to Jerusalem, where he spent part of his childhood and high school. He accredits education as being the focal point in mending differences: "Education is the best way to fight adversity - the only means to solving problems." As a Palestinian, Dr. Haddad notes the extremities in crossing the border to Israel. The only way he could cross as an American is by waiving his Palestinian rights. "Every time you cross the border into the West Bank you are required to remove your cloths as a precautionary measure."

Dr. Haddad noted two potential solutions to the conflict:

• Israelis and Palestinians live under one flag that is not reflective of a pure Jewish state.

• Fair resolution for the people, not government, that offers two bodies of representation, with flexibility for both Palestinians and Israelis to ensure equal rights. Dr. Haddad notes the fall line of the Israeli leadership is their origin. "Most of today's Israelis are of European decent, which makes full understanding of Palestinians more difficult." He continued to note the imperative nature of the conflict: "By definition, Israel occupying the West Bank is terrorism. We must find a settlement that is received by both."

Egypt signed peace treaties with Israel 25 years ago and with Jordan 10 years ago, but conflict still exists. Dr. Haddad concluded saying, "Regardless of how many peace treaties Israel signs with its Arab neighbors, peace in the Middle East will never prevail without a Palestinian/Israeli peace treaty. What works is a solution with fair treatment to Palestinians." The presentation, sponsored by the Office of Multi-Cultural Affairs, was one of many events to celebrate 29th International Week.