A Realistic U.S. Role in the Arab-Israeli Conflict

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Other

A Realistic U.S. Role in the Arab-Israeli Conflict

By Mr. Shlomo Avineri

Published on Dec 3, 2001

Source: Carnegie

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Avineri: Negotiations are now impossible

What are the obstacles to unilateral disengagement?

Summary

In the post-September 11 context, Israelis hope that the United States-now a victim of massive domestic terrorism-will have more sympathy for them. On the other side, Palestinians hope that the United States will revive peace talks, and thus solidify Arab support for the war on terrorism.

Despite these high expectations, the United States should proceed cautiously, considering the history of its peace-making initiatives. It has effectively assisted contending parties that have already reached a basic agreement (as at Camp David in 1978 or after the 1993 Oslo accords) and intervened to stave off full-scale crises and encourage stabilizing steps (as during the 1973 Yom Kippur War). But most other U.S. efforts have failed because the countries in conflict have lacked the political will. To prepare both sides for negotiations, U.S. policy should shift from conflict resolution to conflict management. Possible steps include demanding that Palestinians educate their people for peace, encouraging Saudi Arabia to organize an Arab solidarity fund for Palestine, and supporting Israel's unilateral disengagement to ease current tensions.

Click on link above for the full text of this Policy Brief.

About the Author

Mr. Shlomo Avineri

Former Visiting Scholar

Recent Work

Report
Israel-Russia Relations
- Mr. Shlomo Avineri

Caucasus Russia

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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