Darker Than Usual

Post by Chris Scanzoni, Great Decisions student

New York Times journalist Ethan Bronner recently published a poignant piece illustrating the paradox of the festivities in Jerusalem (1). Despite the grandiose displays of fireworks and outdoor celebrations, popular sentiment on the 62nd Day of Independence in Israel (April 19, 2010) may be better characterized by a grim sense of the nation's international legitimacy and security. Bronner speculates that this year's festivities appear "darker than usual" in the face of the relentless Iranian nuclear program and unprecedentedly strained relations with the United States. Moreover, Bronner cites a widely-reported BBC poll placing Israel among Iran, North Korea, and Pakistan as one of the least-favorably viewed nations in the world. The poll points to a dangerous reality for Israel: without unconditional support for its policies by the United States, a regionally-isolated Israel can no longer ignore the fundamental interests of its immediate neighbors (i.e. water allocation, militantism, etc.). A sustained hardline Israel posture that seeks settlement in the West Bank, starves the Palestinians of basic essentials, and flexes its unrivaled military capacity only serves to embolden Israel's enemies. Nevertheless, it still feasible that Prime Minister Netanyahu can advance policies to remedy this trajectory and peacefully integrate Israel among the moderate Arab powers (e.g. Egypt, Jordan). Overtures indicating a genuine Israeli interest in a comprehensive and just peace agreement with West Bank Palestinians is an immediate option at Netanyahu's disposal. A prudent peace agreement in the West Bank would simultaneously undermine the clout of Iranian leaders and of Hamas, repair the US and EU-Israel alliances, and expand available trading networks for Israel's businesses.

Senior Program Office at the United States Institute of Peace Matthew Levinger contends that "a conflict must arrive at a state of 'ripeness' for negotiation before a settlement becomes possible. This condition can involve a 'hurling stalemate,' where both sides recognize that they are likely to suffer more by continuing the conflict than by ending it" (2). The time has arrived that President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu reengage the peace process, act responsibly, and allow Israel to return to the mantle of an indispensable friend for its neighbors.


CITED:
1. Bronner, Ethan. "Memo from Jerusalem: Mood is Dark as Israel Marks 62nd Year as Nation." The New York Times Online, 19 Apr, 2010. Accessed 20 Apr, 2010 .

2. Levinger, Matthew. "Enhancing security through peace-building." Great Decisions 2010. The Foreign Policy Association. New York, NY: Dartmouth Printing Company, 2010. 93-102. Print.