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U.S. Crafting New, Low-Key Middle East Strategy

(New York Jewish Week) James D. Besser - There is a growing sense in Washington that the Obama administration - chastened by its early misstep on settlements and its premature promises of quick progress in restarting stalled negotiations - is crafting a low-key, pragmatic plan that limits expectations, rejects dramatic public events and takes into account the political dilemmas faced by both Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Abbas. Despite some press reports, Washington is unlikely to ratchet up pressure on Netanyahu or spell out detailed U.S. positions on critical issues like borders and the status of Jewish settlement blocs. David Makovsky, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said the administration is on the verge of a significant policy shift, with an emphasis on addressing the top concerns of both sides while eschewing high-profile meetings and sweeping expectations. Palestinian leaders "want 'proximity talks,'" Makovsky said. "They want [U.S. special envoy George] Mitchell shuttling from side to side, building momentum." Israel, on the other hand, prefers direct talks to third-party mediation, Makovsky said. Initially, the talks are likely to focus on the single issue of territory and borders, he said. Abbas is ready to move past the settlements roadblock - erected in large measure by the Obama administration's initial focus on a complete freeze, he said. Edward Walker, a former State Department official and one-time U.S. ambassador in Tel Aviv, said that what's shaping up may be more a diplomatic holding action than a serious ratcheting up of U.S. involvement. The reason: leaders on both sides are not ready to embrace the political risks any real move back to serious negotiations would entail. And the administration, he said, knows that. "There's nothing new that would warrant a new U.S. peace push at this time," Walker said. "The Palestinians are still conflicted and unable to operate together; and generally, there is decreasing interest around the world in the two-state solution."
2010-01-15 08:23:10
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