A New Era of Hope in the Middle East?

Strategic Insights -

As leaders from Israel and Palestine, Ariel Sharon and Mahmoud Abbas, prepare to meet separately with President Bush at the White House, a historic moment of potential peace is unfolding. After years of bloodshed and violence, a cease-fire agreement has been reached, and the White House's "road map for peace" is once again on the table. This development is a result of the renewed engagement of the Bush administration, which has previously been criticized for its hands-off approach to the conflict.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are expected to announce a cease-fire during a summit in Egypt, marking a significant breakthrough in the peace process.
  • The White House's "road map for peace" is back on the table, with the administration committing to help the two sides build on the current cease-fire.
  • Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has urged Abbas to fight terrorism vigorously, while also calling on Sharon not to take unilateral action on issues that should be settled in negotiations.
  • The Bush administration has sent a senior security coordinator to help equip and train Palestinian security forces, and has committed to sending $40 million in aid for job creation, schools, and water treatment.
  • The United States has also started to work more cooperatively with European nations that have leverage over the Palestinians, in a bid to create real momentum in the region.

Statistics:

  • $40 million: the amount of aid sent by the United States for job creation, schools, and water treatment.
  • $350 million: the amount of aid committed by President Bush in his State of the Union message.
  • 4 years: the length of time since the last serious peace talks in the Middle East.
  • Thousands: the number of lives lost or ruined in the four-year uprising.
  • 2003: the year the last cease-fire between Israelis and Palestinians collapsed after several weeks.

Sources:

  • New York Daily News, "Seizing the Moment in the Mideast"
  • Dallas Morning News, "U.S. Work Has Paid Off in Mideast Peace Talks"
  • San Jose Mercury News, "The 'Promising Moment'"
  • Orlando Sentinel, "Be More Hands-On"