Overcoming Obstacles to Peace Talks Between Israel and Arabs
Allan Gerson (“Real Terror Is a PLO-Run State,” Commentary, July 11) correctly points out that Palestine Liberation Organization terrorism, although a long-term problem, is not the main negotiating issue between Israel and the Arabs.
The immediate policy problem is whether the United States and Egypt still support the Camp David Treaty of 1979 and United Nations Resolution 242. What is the major obstacle to peace in the Middle East? Stripping the dissimulating facades of both sides, the Arabs believe that Israel’s insistence on continued existence as a Jewish state is the main obstacle to peace. Israel believes that the Arab states and most of the other states have not yet made peace with the notion that the Jews have returned to their land to stay.
Although the problem appears to be without a possible solution, it really isn’t hopeless. Land is definitely not the problem: Israel is very small, and the Arabs have lots of it. The destruction of Israel is no solution, since that would precipitate major wars in the Middle East for the destruction of Lebanon and Jordan to create a Greater Syria, to which there would be considerable opposition. On the other hand, a clear U.S. policy should (1) recognize Israel’s right to exist securely within its present borders; (2) require (per Resolution 242 and Camp David) that only direct negotiations between Israel and its neighbors take place; (3) declare intention to empty refugee camps and provide immigration and permanent homes for refugees.
A desire for peace should materialize in Syria and Jordan, born of self-interest then. The border with Jordan is quite straightforward. Syria might be satisfied if it received certain Muslim parts of Lebanon, as Lebanese Muslims also desire that. The remainder of Lebanon would have a Christian majority, which would stabilize that country also.
If Arab states are ready to make peace then we can proceed now. If they are not ready for peace, let’s maintain our good policy until they do.
BERNARD I. LINDNER
Beverly Hills
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