America and Middle East Peace

When George Bush became President he backed away from the Middle East Peace Process, only reengaging in the later months of his administration. I am heartened to see that the Obama administration seems to be taking a different tactic. They're actually starting engaging with the Israelis and the Palestinians. Hillary Clinton is talking to all the parties and letting the Israelis know that demolition of Palestinian buildings and expanded settlements aren't helpful. Now, I would use stronger terms -- like illegal -- but at least this is a start.

It appears that the Netanyahu government will be a right wing one -- without either Kadima or Labor support. If this is true then the US must not give a wink to Likud's "unhelpful" plans to expand settlements, making it even more difficult to reach an equitable solution. If they wish to expand the settlements and displace Palestinians, then they must do it without American financial support. If we continue to give money to them when they work against our interests then we're only feeding their bad habits. That must come to an end -- and I speak as a US tax payer!


Comments

Anonymous said…
It remains unclear if Netanyahu can even gain enough coalition partners to form a government. If so, all expect it to be short-lived because his anti-peace views are NOT in lockstep with the people.

But you are right that America MUST keep pressure on. This is high stakes: Success here stabilizes the region, reduces a major recruiting tool for terrorists, lessens Iranian influence, etc. But the window is narrow and the obstacles, huge.

I suspect (hope) that one reason Obama's pullout schedule for Iraq is so slow is to prevent being politically forced to go back in. Getting Syria involved in Middle East Peace, as he is, gives them incentives to help stabilize Iraq, too. He needs everything to come together at the right timing and it is VERY high risk.

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