I Was Wrong: Israeli-Palestinian Peace Is on the President's Trip Agenda

[oberliner]

A few weeks ago, I assumed that the main emphasis of President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to the Middle East would not be the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Taking my cues from Secretary of State John Kerry's recently completed trip and the way the White House had been "low-balling" expectations about making any progress in restarting Israeli-Palestinian talks, I thought that the president would focus his visit largely on the challenge posed by Iran's nuclear program and the humanitarian and political crises resulting from the ever-worsening conflict in Syria.

However, after an hour-long meeting with the president and his national security staff, followed a few days later by a detailed press briefing on the president's itinerary by a Deputy National Security Advisor, it is clear that I was wrong.

Earlier this week, I was part of a group of Arab American leaders who met with President Obama and his senior advisers to discuss his visits to Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. Following our conversation, the White House issued a statement saying, in part, that the president "underscored that the trip is an opportunity for him to demonstrate the United States' commitment to the Palestinian people -- in the West Bank and Gaza -- and to partnering with the Palestinian Authority as it continues building institutions that will be necessary to build a truly independent Palestinian state".

Our discussions with the president were instructive on many levels -- in particular, his interest in hearing our ideas about how to make the visit as productive and meaningful as possible. We offered a range of suggestions including the need to reach out directly to the Palestinian people: the business community struggling to create jobs; young people in need of hope; Christians concerned about their future in the Holy Land; women seeking empowerment; and those who are committed to a non-violent approach to challenging the occupation.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-zogby/i-was-wrong-israeli-pales_b_2890953.html

[PredWilson]

1. Well...

I think it's pretty messed up that the Palestinians have to stabilise their state and battle for their independence when, in my view from what I know, Israel is nothing but an invasion and occupation by Zionists.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

I think this issue should be higher up on the international agenda as it has high meaning for the people of the Middle East. In my view if only America is in charge when organising 'justice' it will only lead to further losses by Palestinians and blatant strengthening of the Jewish state as a stronghold for Western operations.

[oberliner]

2. "Israel is nothing but an invasion and occupation by Zionists. "

Can you explain what you mean by that?

[holdencaufield]

3. It seems pretty clear to me ...

... the poster means Jews have no business living in the Middle East (or anywhere else where they might "cause trouble&quot .

[Scootaloo]

4. It's pretty clear to some people that aliens founded every major civilization, too

Just 'cause it's clear to you doesn't necessarily mean you're not deluded.

[King_David]

5. "this issue should be higher up on the international agend"

Ha ha ,

Your kidding right?

Ever read anything about the joke called the UNHRC ?