R U Smart Enough to Vote

Israel and the United States

Nov 30, 2023

Here it is, the first R U Smart Enough to Vote challenge. Have fun with the question, but remember the rules—

Logic or fact-based answers only
No religious, faith-based or proven untruths
Keep your answers brief; pleonasm will not be read
You may work with as many study buddies as you want

Like all our challenges, you’ll find it easy to complete one list—the side you’re already on. Sussing out five solid arguments for the side you don’t agree with is, obviously, the real challenge.

So give it some thought. Talk to family, friends, co-workers, other people—especially those you don’t usually agree with. Check out sources you’d normally never consider. And share your answers by next Wednesday so we can all become more literate, informed voters!

To jumpstart your research, I’ve included a quick (very incomplete) overview of the Arab-Israeli conflict since the end of the Ottoman Empire. While these historical facts are not disputed by either side, they do not include anyone’s perspective, motive, or agenda (PMA).

1516: the Ottoman Empire acquired Palestine, where Arabs, Jews, and Christians theoretically coexisted in peace.
1918: The Ottoman Empire was partitioned by Mark Sykes of Britian and François Georges-Picot of France.
1922: Britian took over Palestine administration under a League of Nations Mandate designed to lead to independent self-government and facilitate a Jewish national home in Palestine-Eretz Israel (Land of Israel).
1936: The British Peal Commission created a plan to give 80% of Palestine’s territory to the Arabs and 20% to the Jews. The Jews said yes, the Arabs said no.
1945-47: Jewish refugees fled to Palestine after World War II.
1947: The UN proposed an 80/20 Palestine-land split between Arabs and Jews. The Jews said yes, the Arabs said no.
1947: Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria tried to stop the establishment of the State of Israel. Subsequently, the UN offered the Jordan-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem to the Arabs for a Palestinian state. The Arabs said no.
1948: David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the State of Israel’s independence. US President Harry S. Truman immediately gave Israel de facto recognition, as did Iran and five other nations. USSR Premier Joseph Stalin gave Israel three de jure recognition three days later along with four other countries.
1960s: Israel established diplomatic relations with almost all countries in Western Europe, North America, South America, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
1967: Egypt, Syria, and Jordan attacked Israel. Israel subsequently occupied the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.
1967: The Arab League issued the Khartoum Resolution: “No peace with Israel. No recognition of Israel. No negotiations with Israel.” Subsequently, the USSR, its Eastern Bloc, and many African and Asian countries severed ties with Israel.
1993: Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) exchanged Letters of Mutual Recognition.
2000: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak offered Gaza plus 94% of the West Bank in exchange for peace. Palestinian Liberation Organizer (PLO) Chairman Nasser Arafat said no.
2006: Hamas won a majority in the Palestinian Legislative Council.
2007: Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip from Fatah, formerly the Palestinian National Liberation Movement.
2008: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Omar offered Gaza and most of the West Bank in exchange for peace. Hamas leader Mahmoud Abbas said no.
2023: Hamas attacked Israel. Israel defended/retaliated. A cease-fire is in place as of this writing.

#1: Israel and the United States

A: List five reasons why the US should support Israel.

B: List five reasons why the US should not support Israel.

When you’re done, ask yourself: Did I learn anything? Did my needle move?

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