US President George W Bush has rightly warned that “difficult compromises” will be needed to secure an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. He was speaking on the eve of what many believe is the most important Middle East talks in years and more importantly attended by more than 40 organisations and countries, including Saudi Arabia and Syria, which do not recognize Israel. It is to the achievement of the US that the summit has attracted the participation of Arab states critical to chances for success of any peace deal in the region. Nevertheless it has to be pointed out that Washington had unnecessarily wasted crucial time on mediation efforts. Therefore though overdue, one should welcome the return of the US to its pro-active diplomatic role. And hopefully with a more broad based support, the stalled peace process can finally be put back on track.
But as Bush cautioned, compromises will have to be made to reach an amicable settlement. And the response of Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister to this call is all the more encouraging. With Arab delegates in attendance, Olmert, for his part, echoed the words of Bush by putting on record that Israel was willing to make a “painful compromise” in order the realize the aspirations for peace. This assurance from Israel will hopefully make room for trust building and in particular give boost to efforts towards finding a peaceful resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. If Tel Aviv is willing to go the extra mile to reach out to the Arabs, it will also be helpful to the peace process if the latter reciprocates to Israel’s concern i.e. to put an end to terror, incitement and hatred. The attitude of deep animosity present among most Arab/Muslim countries towards Israel has to change. The emergence of a Jewish State is today a political reality and this has to be recognized and accepted by the Arabs just as Israel on its part must make way for a separate homeland for the Palestinians. But to allow this to happen, the neighboring Arab countries can also help in the process by treating Israel as a legitimate partner for peace and not as someone to be provoked with terror and violence.
The challenges are there for all parties involved to find an amicable settlement. On the Palestinian side, it is important for its leadership cutting across political divide to find a consensus at home. The faction ridden political landscape is not going to help the Palestinians in anyway and will do more harm to its interests. It is therefore vital that a broad based political coalition be worked out by reconciling the varied political interest within the Palestinian movement. Unless this is done, the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will not be able to buy any peace deal for his people. Likewise, the US should not be seen as taking sides but work with all legitimate political groups. And how successfully the US will be able to carry everyone will determine the outcome of the peace initiative. The startup given at Annapolis is a much needed one and all sides must engage and dialogue towards a time bound peace settlement.
