Since its inception, Israel’s Likud party has caused many Palestinians to tremble with fear. Founded in 1973, in part by current Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Likud is the most conservative party in Israel, generally known for its hardline Zionist views. Many Likud members support gaining full control of Palestinian settlements, and creating Israeli settlements in all disputed territories, including the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Sinai. The party members have consistently voted against the acceptance of any Palestinian State, ever. This resistance to compromise has caused a great deal a frustration in those who desire peace, and who dream of a day when the constant battling will come to an end.

In recent years, many Israelis have begun to support a new solution, one that is still strongly nationalistic, but involves the acceptance of two distinct states. This solution reflects a new pragmatism in Israeli ideology, an acknowledgement of the reality that Israel must recognize a separate Palestinian state, or risk losing its Jewish majority and facing continued terrorism. Even PM Ariel Sharon has changed his views, and is advising the demolition of Jewish settlements in Gaza that he himself created. Followers of this belief have until recently been without a distinct political voice, and a party to fully represent them.

In November 2005, Sharon announced that he is leaving the Likud party to start a new, more centrist one, called Kadima (”Forward”). Many believe that Likud will lose significant power without Sharon, a popular figure throughout Israel. Sharon now has the opportunity to make great progress towards peace in this part of the world, which has been so hostile for so long. Kadima has already attracted support from across the board, with many former Likud members announcing their shift, along with members of the left-wing Labour party. Notably, former Labour leader Shimon Peres, who is highly respected throughout the world, and was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, recently announced his support.

Will 77-year-old Sharon mark his career with a historic peace plan, and borders that are acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians? This extraordinary change will require the support of his countrymen, and peaceful negotiations with Palestinian leaders. If Kadima continues gaining strength, and Likud extremists are increasingly marginalized, Israel may have just made a huge leap closer a peaceful future.

Originally published by InternationalistMag.com on December 5, 2005

Liberia is finally getting a much needed break from a lifetime of violence. Established in 1820 by the American Colonization Society, Liberia was intended to be an African homeland for former slaves hoping to return to their roots. Critics of the ACS opposed the aggressive tactics used to convince native tribes to “sell” the land (a gun pointed to the head), and the racist motivations behind the scheme (the ACS believed that blacks and whites couldn’t live in a society together). Many saw the country as simply an American attempt at intercontinental empire building. Regardless of the opposition, by 1867, 13,000 former slaves inhabited the area of coastal West Africa known as The Republic of Liberia.

The Americo-Liberians made up only 5% of the population, but maintained control of the country for the next 133 years. The indigenous population was suppressed, and the True Whig Party had complete economic and political power. The tribes battled this minority ruling class incessantly.

In 1980, the battles reached a peak, and a mighty coup d’etat resulted in Liberia’s first ever indigenous rule. Master Sergeant Samuel Doe and the People’s Redemption Council executed the standing President and his main officials, and seized power of the country. Though Doe established good relations with the US, the country was extremely unstable, and his win did nothing to create a sense of unity. On the contrary, rival tribes began to fight each other with renewed vigor. In 1989, civil war broke out, resulting in 150,000 deaths and forcing 850,000 refugees to flee. In 1996, a rebel leader, Charles Taylor, ran for president on the platform of continuing brutal war if he didn’t win. An election motto was “He kill my ma, he kill my pa, I vote for him.” He was elected, and the warfare came to a halt.

Not for long. Taylor’s regime was marked by corruption and military intimidation, and was largely opposed. In 1999, rebel groups began aggressively seizing control of significant portions of land. Violent attempts to remove Taylor from office eventually resulted in his 2003 flight to Nigeria. An interim government took over until fair elections could be held.

On November 23rd, 2005, Liberia announced the election of its new President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. The new leader is Harvard educated, and served time in jail due to her vocal opposition to military regimes. She is already making steps towards stability, having extended her hand to the Ivory Coast, a former foe. Many Liberians and Africans are hoping that a female leader will bring greater attention and a deeper compassion to human rights than former leaders. If her administration proves to be successful, doors may open for women all across the continent. To be sure, men and women all over Liberia, Africa, and the world will be watching Ms. Johnson-Sirleaf every step of the way.

Originally published by InternationalistMag.com on December 1, 2005