The Impact of the Imbalanced Negotiation Conditions on Finding a Solution for the Palestinian Question

Abdul Sattar Kassem's picture
Type: 
Thesis
Year: 
2013
Students: 
Abdulsalam "Mohamad Roshdi" Darweesh
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The Impact of the Imbalanced Negotiation Conditions on Finding a Solution for the Palestinian Question1.22 MB
Abstract: 

This study which consists of an introduction, five chapters and a conclusion aims to shed more light on the problem that results from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)’s choice of negotiations in time when all the right conditions and requirements of negotiations (represented by an equal balance of powers between the two sides) are absent. The study comprised a hypothesis that is based on the assumption that the existence of power in all its shapes for both sides (the negotiators) represents a major requirement for the negotiations’ success. If such condition is absent, the whole process will lack the right introductions which will lead to the failure and stumble of the whole course. The researcher attempted to test the hypothesis through reviewing the different forms of the power that is supposed to be present at the time of the negotiation. He then addressed the amount of power that the Palestinian negotiator has gained before the negotiations began and throughout the process and linked that to the results of the negotiations course. In his study, the researcher relied on the descriptive approach in order to reach a right description of the concept of negotiation, and explore the contents that are related to the negotiations being a social activity that is practiced by people at all times. He then attempted to address the indications and meanings of political negotiation, the reasons for adopting it, highlighting its required conditions as well as its right requirements so that this will form a theoretical reference and a scientific entrance that would assist in reading the Palestinian-Israeli negotiation experience. Moreover, the researcher used the analytical, critical approach to investigate the extent to which the condition for holding the negotiation activity is suitable, or fulfilling the conditions by the Palestinian negotiator which enable him to participate in a successful negotiation process. This approach also helps in reading the negotiation behavior of the Palestinian negotiator and the method through which he managed to steer that activity; he also explained the repercussions of that issue on the final results of the negotiation process. The researcher used the controversial nature of the (power and negotiation) as an entrance to read the Palestinian-Israeli negotiation experience and relied on the research and analysis tools to monitor the relationship between the forms of power that negotiations require in general and the impact of that on the nature of the negotiations’ outcomes. Afterwards, he reflected that on the Palestinian negotiator’s experience taking1 into consideration that this negotiation process is subject to the rules and determinants that govern the course of any other negotiation process. This is done to reach a correct description and a scientific explanation to the stumble and intractability that has affected the course of the Palestinian-Israeli negotiation process. Based on what has been previously mentioned, the researcher attempted to present a concept that considers negotiation as a partial process in an integrated context, which confirms the inability of the negotiation course to be separated from the dues that this context demands. This means that the results of the negotiation process will reflect the nature of the condition in which the negotiation occurs, not the amount of right that the negotiator owns, nor the rightfulness of the case which he represents as long as the negotiations’ conditions are absent. Through the study, the hypothesis that the researcher presented has been proved true. The researcher also presented a number of recommendations as follows: • The Palestinian leadership must re-consider the negotiations’ course and look for possible alternatives to replace the option that has been proved as a failure over two decades or more. It is unwise to insist on trying an option that has been tried many times in vain, and it is unreasonable to limit the ways and options for the owner of the right so much so that he will be forced to stick to one option all the time. • The Palestinian negotiation experience must be subjected to a comprehensive, scientific international assessment and to look for the gains and losses that have resulted from it in order to reach the actual reasons that have led to the failure of this option, and to employ these results to serve the struggle against the occupation. • It is crucial to re-consider the negative repercussions of the negotiation process on the issue of political unity among the different Palestinian parties, and to work on getting rid of any reasons that have led to the Palestinian political internal division. Such issue prevents the reclaiming of unity among the people of Palestine, and it is unwise to keep the options that represent an opportunity to cause more internal division among the Palestinians.