Israel/Palestine
In reply to the discussion: Abbas Rejects U.S. Peace Proposal, Again [View all]Little Tich
(6,171 posts)(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_the_State_of_Palestine) East Jerusalem is an overcrowded slum where people survive on Israeli handouts. (http://www.acri.org.il/en/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/EJ-Facts-and-Figures-2015.pdf) How do you suggest a functional economy be built from this without removing the settlements and the restrictions they cause? I just can't see how it can be done, especially since the Palestinian GDP growth rate is -1.5%. (http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/westbankandgaza)
If the Palestinian GDP per capita was more like Jordan's 5,422 US$ (http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD), perhaps it would be enough to be the economic base for a Palestinian state, at least in the beginning and with a lot of help. Then perhaps, the economic obstacle of the settlements could be overcome in some way, as the economy would be already viable, if a bit poor.
But the way things are now, if you can't show me where and how an economic miracle will happen that would turn the way things are going in Palestine completely around, I just won't believe there is a possibility for a viable Palestinian state.