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Middle East Analysis

Keep Peace Moving For New U.S. President

By Ziad Asali, president & founder, American Task Force on Palestine (The Washington Times)

posted on 05/05/08

Progress on the ground is required in coming months not only to encourage both parties to take full advantage of an engaged administration looking for a legacy, but to ensure that the next president of the United States comes into office with some forward momentum. Without improvements on the ground, the temptation for the next president to avoid the issue altogether will be difficult to resist. … We have often witnessed the severe political damage such neglect has caused in the past.

Improvements on the ground are most important in the Palestinian territories, as the Palestinian public is increasingly skeptical of the prospects of peace through negotiations because of the steady and ongoing deterioration in their quality of life, and the relentless building of Israeli settlements. Palestinians require immediate improvements in the most fundamental aspects of their life: economic conditions, and personal safety and security. …

The cooperation of Israel is crucial in developing an atmosphere of order and normalcy required for investment. So, too, is the development of improved security by the Palestinian Authority, which is demanded not only by international investors and Israel, but above all by ordinary Palestinians. … Above all, without personal safety and security, and the rule of law, Palestinian civil society could degenerate into anarchy. Only trained, disciplined and competent Palestinian security forces can provide safety and law and order to the Palestinian people. …

Progress toward peace in the long term requires progress on Palestinian economic and security concerns in the short term. The measures outlined are necessary for a two-state solution to be salvaged. The alternative is a demographic nightmare for Israel, continued occupation and suffering for the Palestinians, an ongoing conflict with no end in sight, and a boon to forces of radicalism and violence throughout the Middle East. Access the full article>>