Charting The Road To Middle East Peace

Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi MP

19 May 2010

In 2003, the Bush administration proclaimed that attacking Iraq would usher in an era of democracy in the Middle East. Yet after years of "birth pangs" leading up to what was supposed to be a new and improved Middle East, it is clear that the whole notion was inaccurate and destructive, both to the U.S. and the region itself.

Today, however, there does exist a plausible way to advance peace, democracy, and prosperity in the Middle East; and one that does not involve fighting protracted wars in the Muslim world: Solve the Palestine Question.

The real catalyst for peace and democracy in the region is not to be found on the rocky road through Tehran or Baghdad, but rather on the road through Jerusalem. Were the U.S. to once and for all apply its full weight on Palestine-Israel, peace in the region as a whole would become more attainable. It’s not a magic bullet, not all regional problems would be solved, but a just Israeli-Palestinian peace would help considerably.

U.S. General David Petraeus grasped the import of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict when he addressed the Senate Armed Services Committee in March. He noted that "enduring hostilities between Israel and some of its neighbors present distinct challenges to our ability to advance our interests in the area of responsibility." And, he added, "Arab anger over the Palestinian question limits the strength and depth of U.S. partnerships with governments and peoples [in the region]." Full article here