Imagine this: You’re standing in a packed auditorium underneath super hot studio lighting. People everywhere are shouting and waving “I love you!” You’re sweating bullets but ready to answer the only question standing between you and the big sparkly crown. You pause, but only for a second. “Yes Bob, I’d have to answer that the most important issue in today’s troubled times is the issue of world peace.” This statement is followed by a roar of applause. You know you’ve got it in the bag.
Recently, President Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to broker for peace. Standing high on a microphone flanked podium, President Obama declared that:
It is past time to stop talking about starting negotiations; it is time to move forward,” and that “permanent status negotiations must begin soon…So my message to these two leaders is clear: despite all the obstacles, all the history, all the mistrust, we have to find a way forward;
According to a New York Times article entitled “White House by Helene Cooper and Mark Landler, President Obama initiated talks because he has become “impatient with the peace process.” These talks are meant to discuss three primary issues: (1) the status of Jerusalem, (2) the fate of Palestinian refugees, and (3) the borders of a future Palestinian state. Currently, Israel refuses to “…stop “natural growth” or settlement construction in East Jerusalem,” which it considers to be part of their capital. Ultimately, the U.S.’ objective is to push the nations into final negotiations, which will hopefully bring stability into the region.
As a result, Obama has clarified the stance of the U.S. in the Middle East. According to Obama, “it is time to show the flexibility and common sense of compromise that’s necessary to achieve our goals.” For example, since May 2009, the US has officially demanded that Israel freeze building new settlements, with the exception of ‘natural growth’ settlements and some outposts, and has highly encouraged Israel to come to a more tenable solution regarding the Palestinian refugee problem.Simultaneously, Obama is trying to encourage Arab leaders to “buy into the peace process.” Although immediate action is not expected, Obama asserted that something must be done to curtail the inequity of power in the Middle East. “Palestinians have strengthened their efforts on security,” Obama explained, “but they need to do more to stop incitement and to move forward with negotiations.” Presently, Arab states, especially Jordan, appear to lack the economic strength, political and military organization, and general willpower to enforce their national agenda or to pose a serious threat to Israel and the rest of the Middle East.
As might be expected, Cooper and Landler report that Palestinians are extremely enthusiastic of U.S. policy plans within the Middle East, while Israelis are less than thrilled. Akiva Eldar, a diplomatic affairs analyst, explains the effects of these opinions further in his article “U.S. furious over Israeli incitement against Obama,” which was recently featured on Israeli news source Haaretz.com. Encouraged by members of Likud and by a flock of other right-wing supporters, Obama is popularly portrayed “…as an enemy of Israel because of his efforts to restart peace talks and freeze settlement construction.” (For a more detailed analysis see “Settler leader: Obama, keep your hands off Israel,” by Chaim Levinson, Haaretz Correspondent.) According to an anonymous Israeli source, the danger of such sentiments is that Israel’s relationship with the U.S. could be damaged in the process, hence hindering any further developments regarding peace.
Alternatively, King Abdullah of Jordan recently voiced his fears to the U.S.,“…that Israel’s settlement policy in East Jerusalem is undermining the stability of Israeli-Jordanian relations.” Consequently, he responded by commanding the Jordanian embassy in Israel to place an official complaint regarding the construction of new Israeli settlements, by expressing concern about opening the Mughrabi Gate , (which leads to the Temple Mount) and opposition for planned renovations to the site.
While it’s difficult to comprehend the complexities of the current Israeli-Palestinian problem, it’s even more difficult to remain free of personal biases. Likewise, although U.S. involvement in the Middle East has, in some ways, deepened existing tensions, it has also brought international focus on and pressure to come to some sort of solution, while rebuilding its influence in the region. Of course, one must wonder why President Obama seems so keenly intent upon making new and better friends within the international community. Then again, there is that shiny crown and pretty satin sash just waiting to be won. Just make sure to fain tears, smile, and wave.
