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Europe's Mideast Muddle
(Wall Street Journal) Daniel Schwammenthal - Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas' effort to seek UN recognition for a unilaterally declared state would far more likely end the peace process than the conflict. European leaders might back a unilateral Palestinian move because they are "frustrated" with the stalled Middle East peace process, diplomats explain. But Europe's particular frustration in this case - directed mainly at Israel - ignores that the Palestinians have refused direct talks for more than two years, after they rejected three Israeli peace offers in the previous decade. A UN General Assembly vote might give the Palestinians a quick propaganda victory, but not an independent state. Israel isn't going to simply pack up and accept a one-sided imposition of borders or principles that ignore the country's legitimate security concerns. The Palestinians will gain real sovereignty only through peace talks with Israel. The writer is director of the AJC Transatlantic Institute, based in Brussels.