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Peace negotiations

Clinton's Middle East Mission Ends in Disappointment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

U.S. President Bill Clinton's visit to Israel turned into a disappointment as he failed to secure significant progress in negotiations with Syria. Despite his efforts to enlist Syrian President Hafez Assad in supporting the campaign against terrorism, Assad skirted public condemnation of terrorist acts carried out by groups in his community. The visit marked a slight advance in Syria's willingness to establish peaceful relations with Israel, but it fell short of Israeli expectations. The cancellation of Clinton's planned visit to the Old City of Jerusalem due to political wrangling further underscored the complexities of Mideast politics.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clinton's mission to Israel failed to bring significant progress in negotiations with Syria.
  • Syrian President Hafez Assad refused to publicly condemn terrorist acts committed by groups in his community.
  • Assad's remarks in Damascus marked a slight advance in Syria's willingness to establish peaceful relations with Israel, but were deemed insufficient by Israeli leaders.
  • Clinton's visit to the Old City of Jerusalem was cancelled due to U.S. policy not recognizing Israel's annexation of the eastern part of Jerusalem.
  • Palestinian leaders warned Clinton not to proceed with the visit in the company of Israeli-elected mayor Ehud Olmert, fearing it would imply recognition of Israeli sovereignty.
  • No sitting U.S. president has ever visited the holy sites in the Old City.

Statistics:

  • 6,000 police and soldiers were deployed in Jerusalem for Clinton's security.
  • Syrian President Hafez Assad said Syria is prepared to establish "peaceful normal relations with Israel" in return for Israel's full withdrawal from the Golan Heights.
  • 13 years ago, Clinton and his wife Hillary privately visited the holy sites in the Old City of Jerusalem.
  • Since 1967, Israel has occupied the Golan Heights.
  • The Western Wall in Jerusalem was visited by Clinton's wife Hillary and Mayor Ehud Olmert following the cancellation of Clinton's planned visit to the Old City.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, March 30, 1994
  • The Jerusalem Post, March 30, 1994
  • Reuters, March 29, 1994

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