Letter: Self-interest is key to Arab-Israeli peace

Sir: Your admirable leading article on the Israeli-Arab peace process ('The need for a spirit of urgency', 7 April) contains one discordant note. Why invoke the desirability of turning the other cheek - a Christian concept alien to the culture and religion of both parties to the negotiations? Had Christian rulers observed this practice throughout history, then you could at least present it as a deserving example. In fact, it was generally honoured in breach, to the point where it lost all credibility.

Surely the best way to encourage peace between Israelis and Arabs is to appeal to their obvious self-interest, rather than to dubious moral postures.

Yours faithfully,

LIONEL BLOCH

London, W1

7 April