The Taiwan of the Middle East Aluf Benn

[azurnoir]

Gaza and Taiwan? The comparison seems absurd. One is a fenced-off enclave of 1.5 million poor, unemployed Palestinians, the other is an economic tiger. One is characterized by street battles and violence, the other is a state of law. In one, a terrorist organization is consolidating its rule by force, the other has elections and changes of government.

But it is a mistake to compare Gaza to the peaceful, developed Taiwan of today. Rather, one must remember the circumstances in which Taiwan was established as an independent entity almost 60 years ago: It emerged from a civil war that broke out following the end of a foreign occupation. It, too, experienced severe violence, a repressive government and a shattered economy.

< snip >

The good news is that it is not too late. If Hamas quells the internal violence, enforces the truce with Israel and internalizes its responsibilities toward Gaza's residents, it can build a new economy in Gaza. But it should not waste time on agriculture; it should train unemployed Palestinians for modern jobs and gradually wean Gaza from its dependence on Israel for transit.

Delusional? Absurd? Look at Taiwan.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1010674.html

interesting article

[On the Road]

1. How Would Gaza Do That?

I do not believe Israel allows Gaza to conduct independent trade. Gaza residents cannot even leave the area without going through an Israeli checkpoint. They can only sell to the Israelis. Am I mistaken?

[azurnoir]

2. As of right now you are right

it is impossible, not only are crossings closed to most traffic even the ill trying to go to Israel for treatment but most other traffic too, the sea port and coast are being blockaded also making shipping impossible and Gaza's airport was bombed into nonexistence awhile ago. Although, Israel has been allowing some humanitarian aid into Gaza since the ceasefire, I have not heard of much being allowed out.

I took Mr Benn's editorial as kind of a vision of what could be in Gaza.