Israel should heed the clamour for peace
Editorial
The Observer, Sunday 14 June 2009 Veteran observers of Middle East politics allow their expectations to swing only between the poles of gloom and despair. History leaves little ground for optimism.
The declaration yesterday by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of his own convincing victory in Iran's presidential election confirms that view. Opposition supporters believe the poll was rigged and dispute the result.
Whatever the truth of the matter, the immediate outcome is that Mr Ahmadinejad's hold on power looks firmer, but also more brittle. The election campaign revealed a plurality of opinion in Iran and an appetite for open debate, especially among the large constituency of young Iranians who want engagement with the outside world.
They were no doubt emboldened by the prospect of rapprochement with the US. President Obama's more conciliatory tone towards the country has made it harder for Iranian conservatives to portray enthusiasm for the west as treason. Mr Ahmadinejad's hardline stance was inadvertently legitimised by George W Bush's bellicosity.
But Mr Ahmadinejad's renewed hold on power is a problem for the White House. President Obama's Middle East strategy relies on momentum - showing people in the region and at home that diplomacy works.
That is nowhere more true than in relations with another intransigent regional power - Israel. The country's prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, is due to give a much anticipated speech today responding to President Obama's calls for him to stop expanding settlements on occupied Palestinian land. Mr Netanyahu is under enormous domestic pressure not to concede the point, let alone admit the need for a viable Palestinian state.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jun/14/editorial-middle-eastern-politics-iran
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
