Breakout Group Exercise #11

Palestinian Liberation as a U.S. National Interest

Khalidi suggests re-framing Palestinian liberation as a U.S. national interest.  Discuss this query with your small group: What national interests might the U.S. have in supporting Palestinian liberation, especially among the following categories?

  • Moral — living up to our supposed American values
  • Legal — avoiding domestic and international legal liability
  • Economic — increasing trade; decreasing economic risk; and re-allocating budgets
  • National Security — reducing the threats posed by armed groups to U.S. residents’ safety and well-being
  • Domestic Political — garnering support of a large base of voters in U.S. elections
  • Foreign Relations — promoting good relations with other countries; resolving conflicts
  • Immigration — reducing irregular migration flows; resettling refugees safely