UPSC Prelims 2018 Q24: Current Affairs – International Conflicts & Security
- (a) China
- (b) Israel
- (c) Iraq
- (d) Yemen
Answer: (b) Israel
Explanation
'Two-State Solution' - Diplomatic Context
The phrase 'two-state solution' refers to the long-standing framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: creation of an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, generally along pre-1967 (Six-Day War) borders, with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
| Option | Match? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| (a) China | NO | China's territorial issues (Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan, South China Sea) are framed differently - the phrase 'two-state solution' is not used. |
| (b) Israel | YES | Standard diplomatic shorthand for Israel-Palestine peace, endorsed by UN resolutions, Oslo Accords, EU, US, Arab League. |
| (c) Iraq | NO | Iraq's disputes (Kurds, sectarianism) use 'federalism', 'autonomy' - not 'two-state'. |
| (d) Yemen | NO | Yemen's conflict is between the Saudi-backed government and Houthi rebels - internal, not a two-state framework. |
Origin: The two-state framework was operationalised in the Oslo Accords (1993, 1995) and remains the official position of the UN, EU, most Arab states, and India.
Answer: (b) Israel.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. China's territorial disputes are framed as sovereignty/reunification, not as two-state solutions.
- (b) CORRECT. 'Two-state solution' is the diplomatic shorthand for the Israel-Palestine peace framework.
- (c) Incorrect. Iraq's internal disputes are discussed in terms of federalism, not two-state.
- (d) Incorrect. Yemen has an intra-state conflict; two-state solution is not the applicable frame.
Key point
Two-state solution = Israel + Palestine as separate sovereign states, roughly along pre-1967 borders, East Jerusalem as Palestinian capital. Endorsed by UN, EU, India, Arab League. Operationalised by Oslo Accords (1993, 1995).
Remember
The 'two-state solution' refers to the long-proposed framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by creating an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, roughly along pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. It was operationalised in the Oslo Accords of 1993 and 1995 and remains the official position of the UN, EU, most Arab states and India.
Common mistakes
- Confusing two-state solution with 'two Chinas' (Taiwan strait) - completely different context and terminology.
- Assuming any partition or federalism proposal is called two-state - the term is specific to Israel-Palestine.
- Missing India's consistent support for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as capital of Palestine.
Exam tip
Israel-Palestine phrases to know: Two-state solution, Oslo Accords, Camp David, pre-1967 borders, East Jerusalem, West Bank, Gaza. Any of these in a question points to Israel-Palestine.
Sources
- United Nations General Assembly — Resolution 181 (II) on the Future Government of Palestine (29 November 1947)
- United Nations Security Council — Resolution 242 (1967)