Exiting the Middle East Labyrinth
Much to Barack Obama's credit – and in contrast to George W. Bush – he tried, from his first day in office, to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But he has virtually nothing to show for it, and the prospect of a two-state solution, which is in the vital interest of Israelis and Palestinians alike, is slipping away.
BERLIN – Two years have passed since Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. Much to his credit – and in contrast to his immediate predecessor – Obama tried, from his first day in office, to work towards a resolution of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
Two years on, are good intentions the best that Obama’s new policy has to offer? After all, nothing of value has in fact resulted from them. Even worse, given that Obama’s effort to enforce a permanent moratorium on new settlement construction in the West Bank has failed, is that direct negotiations between the conflicting parties have run aground.
Good intentions count for little in life – and for less in politics. What matters, first and foremost, are results.
BERLIN – Two years have passed since Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. Much to his credit – and in contrast to his immediate predecessor – Obama tried, from his first day in office, to work towards a resolution of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
Two years on, are good intentions the best that Obama’s new policy has to offer? After all, nothing of value has in fact resulted from them. Even worse, given that Obama’s effort to enforce a permanent moratorium on new settlement construction in the West Bank has failed, is that direct negotiations between the conflicting parties have run aground.
Good intentions count for little in life – and for less in politics. What matters, first and foremost, are results.