Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-il.png "Flag of Israel") | Israel |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Israeli PM emphasizes the need for compromise
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| Summary |
Israel’s Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, said in a recent interview that in order to make peace with the Palestinians, Israel must withdraw from nearly all of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and any other occupied land would have to be exchanged for the same amount of Israeli territory. Olmert also said that Israel must be prepared to give up the Golan Heights in Syria. Olmert’s statements confirmed his transformation from an extreme rightist who for decades opposed any territorial concessions to a peace-making leftist who admits he was “mistaken for 35 years” and now realizes that compromises must be made in order to instill peace. Many Israelis are skeptical about the Prime Minister’s recent exposure of his beliefs because, as he is about to step down from power after resigning to fight corruption charges, he has got nothing to lose. Some also wonder if his proposals are all talk and no action.
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| Analysis |
For decades, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been about the threat and use of force to gain control over territories that each side believes is rightfully theirs. Compromise between the conflicting parties was rarely considered. Now, for the first time, the Israeli Prime Minister has reasoned that compromise is the only solution. The struggle for power between Israel and Palestine has essentially turned into a stalemate. The conflict has created severe tension in the Middle East and strained relations with multiple nations. Some say the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was the cause of the 9/11 attacks on the United States. An end to this conflict could be the solution to many other conflicts as well.
Though Olmert’s comments were made right before he is about to step down from office and therefore may never be implemented, it is noteworthy because it is a publicized showcase of the need for diplomacy. His suggestions emphasize the need to negotiate a fair and legitimate agreement that includes all parties. An agreement will not be met by a power struggle or by imposing one’s ideas on the other, but by improved relationships between the conflicting parties. And these relationships can be improved by flexible and amicable negotiations with compromise in mind and peace being the only goal.
If Olmert’s suggestions really were put into action and a fair agreement that included all parties was made, the Middle East would become a more peaceful environment. The relationships between many states would be improved and international negotiations would be more fluid. A strengthened network of interdependence would be created and trade would prosper. These hypothetical situations could become reality if Olmert actually pushes for what he says needs to be done and a peace agreement is established. | |
| Perspective |  | Liberal |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | October 2, 2008 at 7:11 pm | |
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