MGC Final Unit: Towards a Two State Solution: The Israeli / Palestinian

Conflict (1917-2013)

Essential Unit Questions

Historically, what factors have aggravated the relationship between Israelis and
Arabs? What factors have allowed for negotiation, peace, and co-existence?
In regards to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict today, what are the most viable
prospects for peace and the most serious concerns for conflict?

Day One: An Introduction to the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict (from 1917-

2000)

Due: Wednesday, June 3rd

Day 1 Reading: History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict by Negar Katirai
(Council on Foreign Relations) and Dr. Mark LeVine (University of California-
Irvine) [via PBS]
1. Complete the Fill in the Blank Timeline

NOTE: Make sure to read the correct reading. There is an HONORS reading
and ACP/CP Reading (Bring a copy of the reading and timeline to class)

Homework ActivitiesQuestions: (Highlight first question and answer the rest in your
notebook)
Based on your understanding of the reading, identify what you believe are the 6
most important dates events that were major turning points or significant
occurrences that define the conflict. (Highlight these on your timeline)
Based on your understanding of the reading, identify 3 historical conflicts you
believe are still relevant to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians today. Why?
Based on your understanding of the reading, identify 3 examples that illustrate
negotiation and compromise can happen in this conflict.
Based on your understanding of the reading, identify 3 events that may have
stoked past resentments between the two sides but may no longer be relevant to
Israelis and Palestinians living today.

Day Two: An Introduction to the Key Issues in the Peace Process (from
1967-2013)

Due: Thursday, June 4th

Video: Challenges in Defining an Israeli-Palestinian Border (via the nytimes.com)
Watch: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 on the interactive website. Look at the pictures
below for each section. (Copy and paste link below into your Internet btowser to go
to the site.)

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/09/05/world/middleeast/challenges-in-
defining-an-israeli-palestinian-border.html?ref=middleeast&_r=2&

Questions (Honors and ACP: (To be answered in your notebook.)

Based on the video: In defining a permanent border between an Israeli state and a
proposed Palestinian state . . .
a.. . . what do you think are the top 5 concerns Israelis have about defining a new
border.
b. . . . what do you think are the top 5 concerns Palestinians have about defining a
new border.
In the video, not all Israelis share the same opinions on where a border gets drawn.
Brainstorm 2-3 factors that might contribute to this. Why do you think the
Palestinians interviewed tend to express a more unified opinion?

CP Complete Day 2 Worksheet (goes along with this video)

Day Three: An Introduction to the Key Issues in the Peace Process iI (1967-
2013)

Due: Friday, June 5th

Video: Challenges in Defining an Israeli-Palestinian Border (via the nytimes.com)
Watch: Part 4 and Part 5 on the interactive website. Look at the pictures below for
each section.
(Copy and paste link below into your Internet browser to go to the site.)

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/09/05/world/middleeast/challenges-in-
defining-an-israeli-palestinian-border.html?ref=middleeast&_r=2&

Questions: Add to the materials you gathered during your last homework assignment
in notebook
Based on the video: In defining a permanent border between an Israeli state and a
proposed Palestinian state . . .
a. . . . what do you think are additional concerns Israelis have about defining a new
border.
b. . . . what do you think are additional concerns Palestinians have about defining a
new border.
In the video, not all Israelis share the same opinions on where a border gets drawn.
Brainstorm 2-3 factors that might contribute to this. Why do you think the
Palestinians interviewed tend to express a more unified opinion?

Day Four: What would a Two-State Solution look like? (1994-2013)

Due: Thursday/Friday, June 5th & 6th

Task: Based on the character you receive in class, complete the Two-State Solution
worksheet. Read the front then complete the blank map and the attached
questionnaire.

Web Resources:

Three Options for Peace by David Makovsky (2011 New York Times) With roughly
4% of the Israeli population living in settlements within the West Bank, some have
asked how a viable Palestinian state can be created while respecting the land claims
of the settlers. Although some believe these settlers will have to return to Israel,
others (including President Obama) believe that calculated land swaps between
Israel and a future Palestine could offer a viable solution. Here are three proposals
from the last round of failed negotiations in 2008. . (Copy and paste the link below
into your Internet browser)

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/09/12/opinion/mapping-mideast-
peace.html?_r=1&#nytg-optionsBox

Crisis Guide: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (Chapter II: The Territorial Puzzle) [via
the Council on Foreign Relations] This website provides both graphics and narration
on key issues in relationship to geography in the conflict. The Regional Complexities
section is particularly helpful for this assignment. (Copy and paste the link below into
your Internet browser)

http://www.cfr.org/israel/crisis-guide-israeli-palestinian-conflict/p13850

Is Peace Possible? Two State Solution Simulator [via The S. Daniel Abraham Center
for Middle East Peace & The Atlantic] This website identifies the key demands of
both sides and offers you the ability to adjust the current borders of Israel in
accordance with establish peace plan proposals. You do not need to complete a map
on this site, but it may be helpful to play around with the simulator to generate some
ideas for your worksheet. . (Copy and paste the link below into your Internet browser)

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/10/drawing-an-israel-palestine-
border/247264/

Reflecting on What you Learned: What would a Two-State Solution look

like? (1994-2013) - Part II

Due: Wednesday, June 10th

Task: Write a reflection that covers the following points listed below. This is to be
typed and physically turned in. (Make sure to ensure your printer has ink, etc).

Honors: 2 3 page paper

ACP: 1.5 - 2 page paper
CP: 1 1.5 page paper

Reflection Questions

What evidence did the simulation and the overall unit provide that illustrates a two-
state solution is viable?
What evidence did the simulation and the overall unit provide that illustrates a two-
state solution is unlikely in the foreseeable future?
What was the single most important thing you took away from the simulation and
the unit overall?

The reflection it to be submitted on TurnitIn.com