The continuing struggle between the country of Israel and the now-recognized state of Palestine has taken a new turn this last week when the folks over at Google decided to change their Palestinian home page to more accurately represent the region’s current status. Previously, the home page was labeled with “PalestinianTerritories,” the status that has existed for many decades. Now that the United Nations has officially recognized them as a state, it was changed to read “Palestine.” But what seems a harmless recognition of the truth of political affairs has some in Israel up in arms.
The underlying reason between almost all of the conflict between the two countries is this question of Palestinian freedom. While some try to use peaceful means to resolve the situation, others choose instead to get impatient and resort to violence. Those in Palestine will settle for nothing less than their own sovereignty and an end to the Israeli occupation, but Israel is unlikely to let their prize go so easily. Thus, when Google made their change, it was a bit of a slap in the face to the way Israel sees the situation.
But since Palestine was officially recognized by the United Nations, shouldn't it be treated with all the usual formalities that a nation usual gets? Some in Israel are saying no. One man even went so far as to say that Google’s recognition of Palestine’s independent status is going to screw up the peace process between the two countries. It was said that Google’s action “…creates among the Palestinian leadership the illusion that in this manner they can achieve the result.”
It was also said that, as a private company, Google should not become involved in politics nor should they be taking a stance on such “controversial” issues. I guess this means that Israel does not recognize the decision of the UN? And further, that they expect others to follow suit and pretend this governing body has no real power in the matter.
Personally, I feel that this sort of worldwide recognition is the key to a peaceful resolution to the conflict and I’m not alone in thinking this way. If Palestine has more power in their own hands, it will be less likely that Israel will lord their position over the less militarily capable state in an effort to achieve a result that is more beneficial to them.
Palestine, naturally, is pleased with Google’s change, seeing it as yet another sign that people are recognizing their plight and are willing to help. They've even gone so far as to invite Google Maps staff into the country to do better imaging of the country. And Google’s response to Israeli ire? “We are following the lead of the UN… and other international organizations.” Good show, Google.
Google Palestine logo courtesy of Google Inc. via Wikicommons
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