The central premise behind Oslo was that if Arafat were given enough legitimacy, territory, weapons and money, he would use his power to fight terror and make peace with Israel. Natan Sharansky arafatcentralfight Change image and share on social
Unfortunately, little attention was paid to how Arafat ruled. In fact, some saw the harsh and repressive nature of Arafat's regime as actually bolstering the prospects for peace. Natan Sharansky arafatattentionbolster Change image and share on social
Arafat rejected the deal because, as a dictator who had directed all his energies toward strengthening the Palestinians hatred toward Israel, Arafat could not afford to make peace. Natan Sharansky affordarafatdeal Change image and share on social
Non-democratic regimes always need to mobilize their people against external enemies in order to maintain internal stability. Natan Sharansky democraticenemyexternal Change image and share on social
Democratic leaders, whose power is ultimately dependent on popular support, are held accountable for failing to improve the lives of their citizens. Therefore, they have a powerful incentive to keep their societies peaceful and prosperous. Natan Sharansky accountablecitizendemocratic share on social
When we are unwilling to draw clear moral lines between free societies and fear societies, when we are unwilling to call the former good and the latter evil, we will not be able to advance the cause of peace because peace cannot be disconnected from freedom. Natan Sharansky advancecallclear share on social
Believe me, the drug of freedom is universally potent. Natan Sharansky drugfreedompotent Change image and share on social
Free societies are societies in which the right of dissent is protected. Natan Sharansky dissentfreeprotect Change image and share on social
Of course, there can be serious injustices within free societies. Natan Sharansky freeinjusticesociety Change image and share on social
The message of the free world to any potential Palestinian leadership should be a simple one: Embrace democratic reform and we will embrace you. Natan Sharansky democraticembracefree Change image and share on social
