September 27, 2007-Problems are still mounting to keep potential peace talks between Israel and Arab states from happening. "Saudi Arabia's foreign minister [Prince Saud al-Faisal] says that Israel should stop work on a security barrier in and along the West Bank and halt settlement activity there as a good-will gesture to assure Arab states that it is serious about comprehensive peace talks." A Middle East peace conference is planned to take place in Washington this November, but Faisal would not guarantee Saudi Arabia's attendance. A variety of issues remain to be resolved, including "the status of Jerusalem, the fate of Palestinian refugees who fled their homes or were forced out, the dismantling of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and the borders of an eventual Palestinian state." President Bush is encouraging Israel to "put the big issues on the table," but he realizes that Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert needs Arab states - especially Saudi - to diplomatically recognize Israel. Adding to the mix of problems is the Islamic group Hamas, viewed by the US and Israel as a terrorist organization, which controls the entire Gaza Strip. Hamas was kicked out of the national unity government formed in February with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction. Now, Saudi Arabia's Prime Minister Faisal says Hamas must be recognized in the national unity government if peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians are to ensue.
For all the damage that has been caused by terrorist organizations and feuding religious and ethnic factions in the Middle East, this peace conference in November seems to be a potential blessing. I certainly understand Israel's desire to set up a physical barrier between themselves and those trying to harm them; however, Faisal's argument that Israel's action shows they may not be entirely serious about peace negotiations holds water as well. President Bush's term is coming to an end, and the only hope he may have in this war and in helping the Arab states and Israel stop fighting is this peace conference. The question remains whether or not Israel and those Arab states will definitely be present and willing to really communicate with one another in these peace negotiations. I can only hope it will happen and much of the turmoil in the Middle East can finally begin to be resolved.
"Saudi asks Israel to halt work on security barrier"
Helene Cooper
27 September 2007
International Herald Tribune
New York
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/09/27/style/diplo.php
Post 6
No comments:
Post a Comment