US trying to bring Hamas into negotiations
Last week, a regular reader sent me an email asking whether I had seen any evidence that US Middle East envoy George Mitchell had met with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal while he was in Syria recently, and suggesting that I keep my eye out for evidence that such a meeting took place or will take place. There is good reason to be concerned. By hook or by crook, the Obama administration is likely set on bringing Hamas into the 'peace process.' Meanwhile, four senior Republican and Democratic figures, including former president Jimmy Carter and former secretary of state James Baker, called on President Barack Obama to initiate a dialogue with Hamas without delay. Speaking during interviews organized by the Foundation for Middle East Peace, Baker said that just like the U.S. found a way to begin dialogue with the PLO, it must do so with Hamas. Baker noted that it is impossible to make peace with people if you are unwilling to talk with them.I would bet that the Obama administration will find a way to bring Hamas into the 'peace process' on its own terms. And if it manages to do so as part of a 'national unity' government with Fatah, there's going to be a lot of pressure on Israel to negotiate with that 'government.'
Former national security adviser under President George H.W. Bush, Brent Scowcroft, said that if the peace process moves forward, the U.S. will urge Hamas to become part of it in order to avoid isolation.
The elder statesmen expressed their full support for the Obama administration's policies in the Middle East, and agreed that the peace process will not be able to move forward without active American involvement on all levels of negotiations. They also said that an end to Arab-Israeli hostilities is essential for achieving the strategic goals of the U.S. in the Middle East.
Hopenchange anyone?
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 4:03 PM
2 Comments:
due to the events in Iran, Obama & co are becoming disoriented
the Hamas trail will soon be obsolete
am yisrael chai
Really? Iran not withstanding, Obama has upped the pressure on Israel. The US has gotten tough in the Middle East. The only problem is the party targeted isn't Iran.
What could go wrong indeed
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