Tipping point? Palestinians and the search for a new strategy
Middle East Report No 95
International crisis group | 2010
Country: Nahost
To those familiar with the rhythms of Israeli-Palestinian
negotiation, this has been a year of surprises. Palestinians,
suffering most from the status quo, so most in need of a
resolution, balk at resuming talks even as Israel expresses
eagerness. In Obama, they have a president more willing
to engage and to confront Israel, yet they have denied him
the chance to advance talks. Seventeen years after Oslo,
the best he can do is get the parties to talk indirectly – and
even then, not without overcoming huge Palestinian reluctance.
What is going on? The Palestinian approach
may seem tactically suspect or politically self-defeating
but is not without logic. It is rooted in almost two decades
of unsuccessful U.S.-sponsored bilateral negotiations and
manifested in embryonic efforts to change the balance of
power with Israel. It is premature to speak of a new Palestinian
strategy but not to respond and rectify past flaws.
After an often perplexing, ineffective start, the U.S. seems
poised for a more fundamental policy review involving
the presentation of American ideas to resolve the conflict.
Done right and at the right time, it would be welcome.
download [pdf-file, 50 S., 1,37 MB]
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