Barriers to Peace

In a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented that he was “concerned” about the progress of talks and remarked, “I see the Palestinians continuing with incitement, continuing to create artificial crises, continuing to avoid, run away from the historic decisions that are needed to make a genuine peace.” However, this statement ignores the provocative actions Israelis have taken in recent days that threaten to undermine the process.

Just two days ago, Israel issued almost 2,000 home tenders for new settlements in the West Bank.  They claim that this is part of the deal struck with Palestinians in exchange for the release of the release of 104 prisoners currently jailed. So far they have released about half. This issue of settlements is nothing new but the timing of these settlements seemed to be a policy of appeasement by Netanyahu’s government to assure his country that he has not ‘gone soft’ on the Palestinian issue by engaging in talks.

More troubling still is the news of a wall to be built through the Jordan Valley, one of the fertile areas in the region. It would annex an area roughly the size of Chicago, full of most of the water resources Palestinians now access. This is consistent with their statements that borders must be built in accordance with the already existent separation barrier or apartheid wall. This means that the future Israeli state would include lands captured after 1967 in violation of UN resolutions and international law.  It also directly counters the US plan, which is based on 1967 borders and land swaps.

If the peace talks are to succeed a new formula of Israeli leadership is needed. One can only hope that Netanyahu realizes the incredible opportunity these talks offer before it is too late.

Sofia Smith

An Update on Syria

Although Syria is in the news nearly ever day, knowing exactly what is going on can be challenging. Although there is more in depth analysis coming soon, here is a bare bones update on what’s going on in this brutal civil war:

Chemical Weapons: Good progress has been made on assessing, obtaining, and developing a plan to get rid of the Assad regime’s stockpile of chemical weapons. The regime has been highly cooperative over the course of this process and the Chief of the joint OPCW-UN mission is pleased so far.  Recently, the regime has met what officials are calling a ‘significant deadline’ in the destruction of all production facilities. Although there has been some confusion as to the location where stockpiles of sarin and mustard gas will be destroyed, Albania is emerging as the most likely locale.

Geneva II: Progress in establishing Geneva II is looking less rosy. Although talks are set to begin November 23, they will likely be postponed. More will be known after US, Russian, and UN officials meet next week. Russian officials are adamant about the talks, believing a diplomatic solution is the only way to guarantee Syria does not become a failed state and regional security vacuum. Yesterday, Assad met with the UN Envoy, Brahimi, and set preconditions for his participation. He demanded an end to foreign intervention and the promise of self-determination for the Syrian people. Entrance to these talks has been highly controversial for both regime forces and rebels. Yesterday, Assad fired his Vice Premier because the man had had an ‘unauthorized’ meeting with the US regarding regime participation. Although attitudes towards the conference differs across the varius rebel groups many, especially those associated with Jabhat Al-Nusra and ISI (Islamic State of Iraq) refuse to participate in the regime is represented or the explicit objective of the talks is the removal of Assad from Power.

Refugees: European nations have pledged an additional $431 million in humanitarian assistance days after President Obama announced an additional $339 million. Jordan, on of the main hosts of Syrian refugees say that the refugees could make up 20% on the Jordanian population by 2014.  Syrians now make up roughly 30% of Lebanon’s population. Both Jordan and Lebanon have asked for more support.

For more detailed information and a daily Syria Update from Alexander Innes go here.

Sofia Smith