FREEradicals - Dusting off a Defunct Dialogue

Dusting off a Defunct Dialogue

A cloud seems to be forming over the Middle East, not of volcanic ash, but from the fumes of those exasperated by the evasion of a seemingly evasive peace. However in this particular case, the engines and shuttles of diplomacy have been left grounded on the political tarmac for far too long.

U.S. Secretary of State Clinton, recently speaking at the Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace, had stern words for both the Israelis and the Arabs this time. In short, start doing not doodling was the message. She is right. Both sides must, in fact, make momentous moves that may not be particularly pleasing to their publics but that put the bolts on a final pact. That is the only way a durable peace will be brought about. However, the time is also right for the US to uphold and rectify its own role which for many years was perceived as having departed from partner and fair arbitrator. Only a change in the US attitude to approaching peace will assist in bringing about a better final act. Secretary Clinton’s reprimanding does little service and gives little credit to an initiative already on the table that of the Arab Peace Initiative. The Arab peace plan offers full recognition and normal relations with Israel in return for its withdrawal to the 1967 lines. A basis for negotiation to allow for a flight towards negotiations on final status issues. It is a vision for a comprehensive solution and a basis for a rekindling of dialogue and most significantly a security guarantee for all including the United States. At present, it seems that the US diplomatic temperament seems to be transforming towards a more positive and practical engagement and with a more persistent determination to achieve a solution.

Ever since Barack Obama’s stride into the White House, there has been hope that with his leadership he will bring about a just solution. Therefore, there is no more opportune time than now for the US to take that bold step and administer diplomatic vigour to establish that unprecedented political venture. The stakeholders must not only converse but make concessions on final status issues long kept on the backburner to fester. A two-state solution is the only way that they may emerge from this and only with American pressure will this be possible. Building upon previous agreements and taking in a collective assortment of the Road Map, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Clinton Parameters, amongst other positive steps, will go a long way to sealing a final deal.

But if they are indeed to manufacture a durable peace, all sides must start working harder lest the volcanic ashes of warfare and political intransigence blind us from attaining a much needed peace.

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Introduction

FREErad!cals is the ICSR blog. It's a forum for debate and fresh ideas on radicalisation and political violence. It features some of the most innovative, young thinkers, discussing radicals and radicalisation. They are looking at how the challenge has been understood, and how it should be addressed.