The Palestinians bear the burden

Re “A painful peace,” Opinion, Nov. 30

I agree with Amos Oz’s assessment that all sides -- except for the fringes -- now desire a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But Oz’s talk of “painful compromise” echoes past Israeli government rhetoric.

The brunt of the “compromising” is once again to be borne by the Palestinians.

Under Oz’s plan, Palestinian refugees will be deprived of their rights, guaranteed by the Geneva Convention, to return to the homes from which they were driven by war. Whose “painful compromise” is this? And, according to Oz, “most” of Israel’s colonies on occupied Palestinian territory will be evacuated. Not all? Again, who bears the pain of this “compromise”? Oz’s vision rests on the old premise that, having been beaten into submission, the Palestinians will grovel for any crumbs Israelis (and their American patrons) toss their way. This premise might still be a mistaken one.

GEORGE AID

Berkeley