Question 87 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Current Affairs

Question

The term 'two-state solution' is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Israel

Strategy: Identify the international conflict where the 'two-state solution' is most prominently discussed. This concept is primarily associated with the Israel-Palestine issue, proposing separate states for Israelis and Palestinians. Other global conflicts do not feature comparable prominent 'two-state solution' discussions, making Israel the correct answer.

Key Info: The 'two-state solution' is a proposal intended to resolve the longstanding conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. It aims to establish two sovereign nations west of the Jordan River: Israel and a future Palestine (generally proposed to include the West Bank and Gaza Strip).

The concept is internationally recognized as the preferred solution by the United Nations and most global powers. It was first formally supported by UN Security Council Resolution 1397 in 2002, affirming a vision of Israel and Palestine existing side by side within secure and recognized borders.

Key issues in two-state negotiations include:
- Status of Jerusalem
- Borders
- Settlements
- Security arrangements
- Refugees
- Mutual recognition

The 'two-state solution' is notably absent as a policy focus in contexts such as China (which has its own historical territorial questions), Iraq (largely ethnic and sectarian conflicts, not a two-state demand), and Yemen (which has issues relating to civil war and not parallel statehood demands).

Answer

Option A: China

Answer

Option C: Iraq

Answer

Option D: Yemen