Israel Matzav

Oh my... New York Times says Kerry should 'move on' from Middle East and worry about Ukraine

The New York Times gets it partly right in an editorial published on the Passover holiday, urging the Obama-Kerry administration to abandon the Middle East 'talks' and deal with the Ukraine. Of course, they blame Israel for the talks' failure.

The pointless arguing over who brought Israeli-Palestinian peace talks to the brink of collapse is in full swing. The United States is still working to salvage the negotiations, but there is scant sign of serious purpose. It is time for the administration to lay down the principles it believes must undergird a two-state solution, should Israelis and Palestinians ever decide to make peace. Then President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry should move on and devote their attention to other major international challenges like Ukraine.

...

Mr. Obama made the right decision to give it a second try last summer, with Mr. Kerry bringing energy and determination to the negotiations. But, after nine months, it is apparent that the two sides are still unwilling to move on the core issues of the borders of a Palestinian state, the future of Jerusalem, the fate of Palestinian refugees and guarantees for Israel’s security. The process broke down last month when Israel failed to release a group of Palestinian prisoners as promised and then announced 700 new housing units for Jewish settlement in a part of Jerusalem that Palestinians claim as the capital of a future state. According to Mr. Kerry that was the “poof” moment when it all fell apart, and the Palestinians responded by applying to join 15 international conventions and treaties. That move won’t get them a state, but it is legal and they did not seek to join the International Criminal Court, a big fear of Israel’s.

...

An Israeli-Palestinian peace deal is morally just and essential for the security of both peoples. To achieve one will require determined and courageous leaders and populations on both sides that demand an end to the occupation. Despite the commitment of the United States, there’s very little hope of that now.

No, there's no point in 'talks' right now, and it is time for the Obama-Kerry junta to move on. Can they do it? Can they abandon their obsession with Israel and the fierce moral urgency of creating a 'Palestinian state'? Don't hold your breath.

Labels: Barack Hussein Obama, fierce moral urgency, John Kerry, Middle East peace process, New York Times, Palestinian state, Ukraine

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:25 AM