A Realistic U.S. Role in the Arab-Israeli Conflict

Publication Date: December 2001

Publisher: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Author(s): Shlomo Avineri

Research Area: International relations

Type: Brief

Coverage: Palestine Saudi Arabia Israel

Abstract:

In the post-September 11 context, Israelis hope that the United States-now a victim of massive domestic terrorism-will have more sympathy for them. On the other side, Palestinians hope that the United States will revive peace talks, and thus solidify Arab support for the war on terrorism.

Despite these high expectations, the United States should proceed cautiously, considering the history of its peace-making initiatives. It has effectively assisted contending parties that have already reached a basic agreement (as at Camp David in 1978 or after the 1993 Oslo accords) and intervened to stave off full-scale crises and encourage stabilizing steps (as during the 1973 Yom Kippur War). But most other U.S. efforts have failed because the countries in conflict have lacked the political will. To prepare both sides for negotiations, U.S. policy should shift from conflict resolution to conflict management. Possible steps include demanding that Palestinians educate their people for peace, encouraging Saudi Arabia to organize an Arab solidarity fund for Palestine, and supporting Israel's unilateral disengagement to ease current tensions.