January 09, 2008
Try, Try Again: Bush Begins Mideast Tour
Distracted by an election, Americans have paid little mind to President Bush's first trip to Israel and the West Bank in his seven years in office. Haunted by the failed peace-brokering efforts of former presidents, there appears to be little momentum for Bush's renewed Mideast push at home. But the story in Israel is markedly different.
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem following talks between their delegations, Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert conveyed optimism and determination that this new effort toward a two-state solution would be successful.
"I view this as a historic moment," Bush said. "We've heard a lot of rhetoric in the past, a lot of grand proclamations. But I wouldn't be standing here if I did not believe you all were serious. Our job is to help you seize that opportunity."
Olmert answered Bush with effusive gratitude and praise.
"I want to thank you for this opportunity, for your friendship and support for the security of the state of Israel that you have manifested for a long period of time, through your time as president of the United States of America," Olmert said. Later, turning to Bush, Olmert added, "Thank you for the courage you inspire in all of us to carry on with our obligations."
In President Bush, the Israeli government appears to have found a kindred spirit on the issue of terrorism. That's given the Bush administration more influence over the Israelis, who have made significant concessions to the Palestinians at the cost of support from nationalists.
The administration has two key assets in the renewed peace talks: willingness from the Israelis to dismantle more settlements and redraw Jerusalem, and a moderate Palestinian leader to negotiate with, President Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas is viewed as a good-faith negotiating partner and by most accounts is well-liked by both the Americans and the Israelis.
At the same time, the reasons for pessimism are well-founded. As far as demands go, the gulf between the Israelis and Palestinians remains wide. More worryingly, Abbas is weakened at home by the splintering of control in the territories. He is ill-regarded by Hamas, which retains control of the Gaza Strip where militants often fire rockets into Israel.
Overall, however, violence is at a relative lull, eight years into the Second Intifada. The Quartet partners hope to seize on the momentum of November's groundbreaking peace summit in Annapolis to convince Hamas leaders that if they want to achieve statehood, their only options are to lay down their arms and recognize Israel.
In December, Olmert rejected a cease-fire offer from Hamas because of its refusal to recognize Israel. Today, he reiterated that there was but one path for the Palestinians to follow if they want to live without Israeli interference.
"We will not refrain from demanding and insisting that the Palestinians abide by their commitments," said Olmert, emphasizing that security was "pivotal" to the renewed peace process. Olmert said credit for the reduction in deadly attacks belongs to the improved performance of Israel's security services, "not because the Palestinians have made fewer attempts."
"It's essential that the world understands that America cannot dictate the terms of what the states will look like," Bush said. "The only way is for the two parties to come together and make the difficult choices, but we'll help." The president echoed Olmert's calls for an end to attacks on Israel, but also added that Israel's security responses should be done "in a way that respects innocent life."
Both men were careful not to oversell the peace talks, but Olmert stressed that if any American could broker a lasting peace, it is President Bush. He spoke of the need to work quickly as Bush's days in office are numbered.
At the close of the press briefing, Olmert again praised Bush's "loyalty to principles" and "courage."
Turning to face his U.S. partner directly, Olmert said, "It makes us all believe."
Does anyone else believe? See opinion and analysis from BBC News, Haaretz, the Jerusalem Post and the Washington Post.
Posted at 1:40 PM
Posted to:
Bush Administration, Israel, Middle East, Palestinians, President Bush
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