|
Trending Topics
|
Time for a More Pragmatic Approach to the Middle East
(Washington Post) Editorial - Secretary of State John Kerry's quixotic attempt to broker a final peace accord between Israelis and Palestinians stumbled to an end last week - or at least "a pause." The secretary's intense focus on trying to wring compromise from Israeli and Palestinian leaders never made much sense; his energies would be much better spent developing workable strategies for troubles in other parts of the world. PA President Mahmoud Abbas has launched yet another reconciliation initiative with the Islamic Hamas movement, but numerous "unity" plans announced in the past have foundered because of Hamas' refusal to recognize Israel or renounce terrorism. Hamas is unlikely to fundamentally change its stance. The U.S. should seek to reverse the deterioration of Palestinian government that has occurred since 79-year-old Abbas - whose term as elected president expired more than five years ago - forced out a reformist prime minister. Corruption has steadily increased, as have human rights abuses. New elections should be held, with the proviso that groups advocating violence are excluded. Palestinian statehood must be built on the foundation of working democratic institutions. The Obama administration should place that principle at the center of a new, more pragmatic policy.