The Fist Middle East Talks
As the first day of the talks regarding the Middle East situation took place, some conclusion regarding the future of the talks and the next steps to be taken in this regard were took. In day one of the peace talks between the two nations, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian President Abbas, agreed to continue the discussions, in a second round that is to take place later this month.
Anyhow, according to the U.S. Secretary of State these discussions will succeed and will have a positive result, even though they have been taking place for a long time now. President Obama himself expresses the desire as well as the strength believe that in a term of twelve months, they will get to a certain result and they will therefore, co exist in peace; it will be an independent Palestinian and one that will co – exist side by side with the Jewish state.
After the meeting that was held earlier this week, they both realized the fact that they are actually able to discuss the situation further and some compromises if are made on each side, will be the perfect solution into finding the peace that they have so fiercefully fought for.
They have already planned a second meeting that is to be taking place in Egypt, between 14th – 15th September. After this, they will schedule meetings for two to two weeks. This simple agreement is a confirmation of the fact that these two countries are really putting into them to make this succeed. “We are convinced that if you move forward in good faith and do not waiver in your commitment to succeed on behalf of your people, we can resolve all of the core issues within one year,” Clinton told Netanyahu and Abbas as the talks began.
They both agreed from the beginning of their meeting that they want a “two – state solution”, but at the moment both countries are struggling with their desires, what should they accept, should they settle for the war or go into peace. There are two “camps” on each one of these states and the representatives from there, should put in balance each and every thing, before taking any further decision. “We want to state our commitment to follow on all our … engagements, including security and ending incitement,” Abbas said.
There is for example, the Palestinian Islamist Group – Hamas. This is a group that lead the Gaza Strip and that rejected any talk of peace that may have been trying to take place so far and as well kept attacking the Israelis. An example of this is this week’s attacks against four Israelis that were killed and as well some other two, having suffered another attack but these two were just injured.
In the talks that took palce on Thursday, first of all they met together with Clinton, meeting that held about an hour; and then they privately met on to one for about ninety minutes.
What are the key players in these Middle East talks and what does each of them expects and wants to achieve? First of all, there is the Jerusalem. It is a city that is claimed both by the Israel, which believes that the East of Jerusalem as well as the part that includes the Old City should be given to them. They intend off making it the future capital of the Palestinian state. Despite of the fact that the Prime Minister of Israeli has renounced that the idea of a Palestinian State, he says that the Jerusalem will still remain the “capital from the shadow”
West Bank is another part that is Israeli occupied and that is an area of the limited Palestinian self – government. Israel began settling the territory after the war from 1967 was conquered by them. Back then, they as well conquered Gaza and the East Jerusalem. This part is the home of almost 300,000 Israelis at the moment, but the reality is that there is no nation in this world that accepts this idea. First of all, it is a very important part as it holds together important cities in Palestine. It encompasses cities such as East Jerusalem, Ramallah and as well Bethlehem. It is the perfect thing to create an independent Palestine state; but the Jewish homes makes this more complicated to attain.
The Gaza Strip is a 25 mile – long by 7 – mile – wide piece of land that is located on the eastern coats of the Mediterranean Sea. It has more than 1.5 million inhabitants and is under the control of the Hamas movement. Even though it was supposed to be a part of the possible Palestine state, it has as well been the main point from which the Israel made its attacks. This Gaza “deal” has began ever since the Hamas organization won the parliamentary elections back then in 2006. Hamas is considered by the vast majority of the western states a terrorist organization. The rulers of Gaza sustain that they will never give up this part in the Middle East negotiations. Anyhow, Hamas is not to be participating in the negotiations.
The Golden Heights is another part of the country that was occupied by Israel during the Six – Day War. It is important for its strategically position as well as for its fortified hilly area.
Egypt, a big part of this whole deal, is important due to the fact that it was implicated in all these Middle Peace talks and it is as well the first Arab State to have signed peace with Israel. It is very important to the United State, as an ally in the fight to get all this deal to a point.
Syria, is one of the worse enemies that Israel could have. It has given support to the Hamas Islamic Government in Gaza and this is what makes it be less liked and appreciated and more condemned. Hamas along with his other ten radical groups that are based in Syria, have rejected to be in accordance to any move, that the government may do, in order to enter in direct talks with Israel again.
One important key player in all of this is Jordan. It is considered like this due to its near settlement to Israel and as well the fact that there is a large population of Palestinians that are living there. It is as well, the second state that has signed peace agreements with Israel. United States consider it to be a strategically ally in this fight for realizing peace in the Middle East.
Lebanon is a Middle East small state and it has been as well, the home of many battles. The 15 year civil war was ruled from here and took place here as well as the fact that another war, has as well flourished, 20 years later in the same spot. Hezbollah is the main player from Lebanon, and he has no intention whatsoever to respond to any of the appeals he is receiving. He makes decisions that will eventually lead to war, without the evolvement of the Lebanon state. This is the main thing that raises the worry to U.S and as well to Israel; that the power there is in balance. The problem is that all the army that are there, may be used directly against Israel, as the Hezbollah will be able to take them into their hands.
As you have therefore, met the key players from this situation, it is important that these talks will concentrate on each and every one of these players and problems.
The first thing that they agreed upon is the fact that they will work out a “framework agreement” in order to help theme establish the main compromises necessary to be made.
This dispute will nevertheless have a great impact on the United States security and diplomacy. “By being here today, you each have taken an important step toward freeing your peoples from the shackles of a history we cannot change and moving toward a future of peace and dignity that only you can create,” Clinton said. She is about to be present as well in the next meeting that will take place in Egypt, between the Israeli – Palestinians.
