A Washington Times commentary points out three thought-provoking reasons why the UNRWA is an obstacle to peace. In summary:
1) The UNRWA inherently makes the Palestinians feel the world owes them repatriation.
2) It inhibits integration into host countries and any possibility of third-country citizenship, which runs against UN policies with other refugee groups.
3) Its 60 years of welfare has created a culture of dependency that works against Palestinian nation-building.
The solution?
Instead, the United States must persuade the General Assembly to fold the UNRWA into the UNHCR, where it belongs. The UNHCR has the political legitimacy and moral authority to change the UNRWA mandate from one focused on repatriating Palestinians to one determined to help Palestinians create homes and build a prosperous economy and a decent political order in a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
