The Middle East Peace Process- The Latest

Following the tripartite UN meeting; Mr Barack Obama declares his commitment to the Israeli Palestinian process with vigour and identifies the situation as “a key foreign policy priority”. Mr Obama certainly bought about a sense of urgency to the situation. The US secretary of state, Hilary Clinton, echoes the needed urgency at the UN general speech assembly, and describes the administration as “determined” in its efforts to reach a two-state solution. It has been recognised that to reach such an achievement is a difficult objective yet the US administration persists its demand to “end the occupation that began in 1967”.

A sense of cynicism is in the air, considering that the latest developments seem to be replaying historical footage. Reaching “peace” has always been at the forefront of priority, US determinism for change is a continual motion; and a collaborated promise from both Israeli and Palestinian leaders is a consistent exercise. All of which seems to remain within the confines of orchestrated speeches and friendly handshakes. Obama however promises that a resolution will be met with his personal efforts into the crisis. A promise of hope is expressed by Obama as he explains at the latest UN general assembly; “even though there will be setbacks, and false starts and tough days- I will not waiver in my pursuits of peace.”

Unlike his predecessors however, there is a change in attitude to the situation. Previously the US administration has viewed each problem independently; however Obama wishes to readdress the Middle Eastern crisis at an interconnected level. This link which has been highlighted by Obama suggests important developments into the future of the Middle East peace process and US interest. With the prolongation of the Arab Israeli conflict, comes a corresponding ignition of extremism into the wider region. With this association having been made, it is identifiable that the plight of the Palestinians plays into the hands of Islamic extremists.

The tripartite UN meeting ended with Obama initiating blunt warning towards Israel so as to at the very least freeze the Jerusalem settlement activity in the occupied west bank since this “undermines efforts to achieve peace”. With this put into plan, Obama wishes to gradually reach a more “permanent status”.

However it has been reported that such a warning has made little impact, considering that Israel has rejected Obama’s wishes and persists with its illegal settlement construction. Abbas in return has expressed his frustration and insists for Israel to “respect the roadmap to peace” and return to the initial boundaries before the 1967 war. Netanyahu is challenged with Obama’s claim that Jerusalem must be the capital of Palestine, and continues with his claim that Iran is currently a much more dangerous threat.

George Mitchell is due back in the region this coming week so as to re-engage in what seems to be a developing knot in the Middle East process plans, and to re-establish the “absolutely crucial” situation as Obama has described it.