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Obama's Settlement Freeze Fold Is Blow to President, Not to Peace

(Commentary) Jonathan S. Tobin - The announcement that the Obama administration has given up on its effort to force Jerusalem to extend a construction freeze of Jewish settlements in the West Bank will be predictably denounced by those who have always equated progress toward peace with Israeli concessions. But the problem with Obama's push for a freeze had little to do with any actual chance for peace and everything to do with the administration's obsession with trying to corner Netanyahu. While stating his willingness to accept a two-state solution, Netanyahu has been able to balance his obligation to protect Israel's vital security interests on the ground with a need to avoid an open conflict with his country's only ally. This is no blow to peace. Sensible observers have been saying all along that the Palestinians' lack of interest in a final-status agreement, as well as the split between Hamas and Fatah, ensured the failure of Obama's initiative no matter how much Netanyahu was willing to give up. The blame for the lack of peace belongs to the Palestinians.
2010-12-08 09:17:30
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