Ethics, Political Philosophy and IR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Ethics, Political Philosophy and IR - Essay Example International law tries wherever possible to take a non-biased stance, not favouring one region or another during conflict. However, this is difficult where two regions are in conflict with one another and have different views and desires. This type of problem was the case for both Kosovo and Palestine. Kosovo was a territory of Serbia although it declared its independence in 2008 and was subsequently accepted by the international community, while Palestine remains a territory of Israel. This has become a difficult international relations issue, and Palestine continues to be a territory of Israel, which has been the source of much violence instigated by both sides. The difference in approaches by the international players has occurred because of the warfare that is occurring between Israel and Palestine, and the terrorism component of the Palestinian government. This makes it difficult for international organisations and external states to support Palestine. An additional important a spect is the fact that Kosovo deliberately manipulated their position in order to gain international sympathy and assistance. Background Kosovo is located in southeast Europe with a land area of 10,887 square kilometres and a population of approximately 1.8 million people. It gained its independence from Serbia in February of 2008 and is now recognised as an independent state. Although the US and the EU have recognised the independence of Kosovo, some states, including Serbia, contest this and do not feel that the state should be considered as independent . The decision to grant Kosovo independence in the international arena was unusual, as conflict has been occurring between Kosovo and Serbia. Nevertheless, the move of Kosovo was considered to be legal under international law and the state consequently became independent . However, the same is not true of the Palestinian territories. The Palestine territories are not recognised as an independent state, instead they are considered t o be part of Israel. The conflict between Israel and Palestine has been ongoing, with external states and international agencies attempting to facilitate resolution. External states hoped that eventually Palestine could be recognised as an independent, democratic state, however, this has not come to pass. In 1993, Israel agreed to allow a period of self-rule for Palestinian territories. However, they maintain military, maritime and airspace control of the region, as well as restricting access. The Palestinian territories are areas of continued violence and debate. The territories consist of two main regions, the larger West Bank and the smaller Gaza Strip. The regions are controlled separately. Mahmud Abbas, the elected Palestinian president in 2005 governs the West Bank, while members of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) control the Gaza strip. As Palestine seeks to gain its independence to be recognised internationally, violence continues to rage between the two sides . Isra el’s approach to Palestine has resulted in occupation for close to 30 years, and economic initiatives that have damaged Palestine while strengthening Israel . Conflict continues to grow between Palestine and Israel and the situation is now that of a civil