The Middle East Peace Process and the Threat to Peace

When we talk about the Middle East, we talk about the Arab states, Palestinians, the Gaza strip, oil and most specially Israel. The history of the Middle East dates back in Ancient times when various religions such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism were first founded. But perhaps the most famous and most significant event worth mentioning is the continued conflict between Israel, the Arab league and several neighboring states as well. With Palestinians trying to claim back their land (Israel), it is certainly a very complicated task to settle both parties.

The 2008-2009 Gaza war is a perfect example on how unstable and unpredictable the situation is in the Middle East. The Hamas and other Palestinian groups used the Gaza strip to fire thousands of rockets aiming at hitting the cities in Israel and inflicting significant amount of damage and casualties. Because of the danger it imposed to its people, Israel immediately staged a massive invasion aiming at capturing Gaza and preventing any further missile attacks to Israel. There was widespread bloodbath with over 1000 civilians losing their lives and over 5000 getting wounded. The Arab states strongly condemned Israel and even tagged the event as the Gaza Massacre.

And just recently, yet another conflict has erupted with the Israeli armed forces attacking the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. The flotilla explained that they wanted to deliver precious supplies of food and other essential materials to the people of Gaza. The raid claimed the lives of 8 Turkish and 1 Turkish-American passengers. After the event, Israel faced widespread criticisms for violating international law as it resulted in the loss of lives. This event has also deteriorated the Turkish and Israel relations as Turkish citizens lost their lives during the raid.

There is also a growing pressure to the United States to take a stand in preventing any further conflict and maintain the Middle East peace process. As a close ally of Israel but also has growing relations with some Arab states, the U.S. is torn in preserving its foreign relations with these countries that is why it is being very careful with its decisions especially if it will affect the other.

American writer George Will argued that the greatest threat to peace in the Middle East is the peace process. The fact that the Palestinians deny the very existence of Israel is already a proper indication that there will always be conflict as long as Israel is around. The peace process has been going around for decades now without gaining any significant results.

President Obama and the Middle East Conflict

When we talk about conflicts in the Middle-East, there is one particular conflict which is very soundly up to the present. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long time and still ongoing dispute between Israelis and Palestinians. Israel is considered in a geographic disadvantage as it is basically surrounded by nations of which it highly considers a threat to its nation. The US and Israel have become major allies and the former has promised absolute protection and security to Israel.

Since becoming the president of the United States of America, Barack Obama has introduced newer policies and has taken a different approach in dealing with the Middle East peace process. Unlike his predecessor, Pres. Obama doesn’t always agree with the decisions and the actions that the Israel government has made. He even recognizes the benefits that could be gained in putting up a Palestinian state though he is somewhat hesitant that it may also end up to be another threat to Israel.

The president believes that a particular gain from one party may not necessarily translate into the loss of another. All will be well if only genuine peace is attained. He also believes that favoring a particular side will only result in more in conflict and misunderstandings. It might be best to challenge each side of their ideologies and belief and make them realize on their shortcomings. The US government has since implemented a tougher stance with regards to this sensitive issue.

The American strategy is infinite military support and protection for Israel though it also addresses various major issues that Israel should be resolving. He firmly believes that outreach and dialogue are both crucial tools in attaining balance and resolve. It should also overcome ideological rigidity and racial differences. It is good to note that Hamas hated Israel not because of religion but because they believed that the latter has stolen their land. Though the idea of coexistence between Israel and Hamas is very much dull as Israel will never give up its land, the peace process should still be the top priority as there is no way and no realistic scenario in eliminating the Hamas.

Understanding the Islamic bases of Hamas's policies is very much essential for the success of any process in which it is engaged. I strongly believe that the Obama administration will play a major role in attaining the long dreamed peace in the Middle East. By removing the biases and setting aside the racial and cultural differences, we might be a step further in attaining a peaceful middle east.