Bergen Record Guest Editorial

11-27-2007

AREF ASSAF

Little talk, if any, regarding the Annapolis peace conference is taking place among the normally over-politicized Arab community. For six years, we have rightfully blamed the Bush administration for its inactions toward resolving the Palestine/Israel conflict. While there is ample justification for skepticism, this is not the time for fatalism about the prospect for a durable Middle East peace. It is time to stand by those who are making serious attempts to overcome obstacles that have eluded many in the past.

I have written about the prospects of the conference and I do have my own doubts. But I must be ready to give peace another chance for it is the prize we all seek.

I am hopeful because I am witnessing a rather sustained and proactive effort on the part of the U.S. government, including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. If the peace talks do succeed, the entire bloody history of the Middle East stands to be revised, if not all together rewritten.

American Arab Forum, along with several Arab and Jewish organizations, have endorsed the Ackerman-Boustany letter to Rice in support of the Annapolis peace conference and commends her efforts to reinvigorate the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

The letter calls for "robust, hands-on U.S. leadership and diplomacy" and states that "resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, through the establishment of two states for two peoples, is too important not to seize the opportunities that have emerged over the past weeks."

Arab and Jewish Americans have an historic responsibility to send out a very unambiguous message that transcends tactical differences in how we view the conflict. We fully support the U.S., Israeli, and Palestinian governments as they launch the Annapolis meeting in an attempt to revive serious Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations toward a viable two-state solution.

But for Annapolis to be a success, it must be followed by a vigorously genuine, U.S. diplomatic engagement than we have seen in the last seven years.

Importantly, tangible improvements on the ground are vital if the Israeli and Palestinian people are to support diplomatic efforts, at Annapolis or after.

There must be a dramatic increase in freedom of movement and access for Palestinians, and a total freeze on settlement growth from the Israeli side. In addition, the unbearable humanitarian situation of Palestinians living in Gaza must also be addressed, and Israel must stop threatening invasion or the cutoff of electricity.

In conclusion, because we care about America's peace and that of the world, let us use this holiday season to pray for the success of the Annapolis Conference.

Aref Assaf, PhD, president, American Arab Forum, Paterson