Still Sound Advice

In the Bush Administration’s most definitive Middle East policy statement so far, Secretary of State James A. Baker III has called on Israel and the Palestinians to change the status quo and move toward political accommodation as a prelude to eventually making peace. On a policy level Baker for the most part was simply restating what successive U.S. administrations have been saying for more than 20 years. The difference came in his tone. Speaking before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the pro-Israel lobbying group that has had considerable influence on Congress, Baker spoke plainly, almost bluntly, about the principles the United States supports as part of the peace process.

To Israel, Baker said the time has come to abandon the unrealistic vision of a Greater Israel that would incorporate the West Bank and Gaza Strip with their more than 1.7 million Palestinians. Israel instead must face the probability that one day it will have to trade land for peace. Given that eventuality Israeli settlement activity should be halted, and such accommodating steps as reopening West Bank schools should be taken. The land-for-peace idea, though anathema to Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir is, of course, a restatement not only of U.S. policy but also the Israeli Labor Party’s position.

To Palestinians, Baker said the Palestine Liberation Organization should amend its charter to delete the vicious call for Israel’s elimination. He urged Palestinians at the same time to show that they are serious in their diplomacy, the clear implication being that Washington so far has not perceived that to be the case. Violence, he said, will not work. Finally--and as always, a key point--”no one is going to deliver Israel for you.” The achievement of peace, security and Palestinian political rights won’t come about through imposition by outsiders, but only as a result of compromises, concessions, good faith, direct negotiations.

The Baker speech contained no new ideas. But it was a timely and necessary reaffirmation of basic policy principles, expressed in a context that makes clear that the Bush Administration regards the Israel-Palestinian status quo as unacceptable and increasingly damaging. Washington is again calling on both sides to bend. That advice is relevant, realistic and sound.