Since the inception of the State of Israel, 70 years ago, and even before that, the Middle East has often posed, some of the greatest challenges, and international threats. To date, no one strategy, has fully achieved, the necessary objective, which should be, an enduring, lasting peace. Various American Presidents have attempted to use a variety of approaches, and while some provided a degree of greater security, the tensions have consistently persisted! With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, discuss, and consider, 4 strategies, and actions, which have been attempted, utilized, etc, and the some of the relative strengths and weaknesses, and successes and failures.
1. The balanced approach – being considered and perceived, by others that way: Perhaps, the single, best example, of a President, who used this approach, was President Jimmy Carter. While Mr. Carter had his supporters, and detractors, there has been no other individual, in recent history and memory, who maintained the respect for his fairness, than this man. This was clearly indicated by, after his service in the office, he was requested to arbitrate, and/ or mediate, in many international conflicts. His efforts were focused on bringing Egypt and Israel, to the negotiating table, and appealing directly, to their leaders, at that time, to sit, and talk, for their common good! Because they believed in his fairness and objectivity, Anwar Sadat, and Menacham Begin, both of which had long histories of protecting their nations, and peoples, came to an agreement, which, despite, all the obstacles and challenges, which have continued, have sustained, and those 2 nations, have avoided further conflicts.
2. Respect the challenges, leaders of other nations, have, and their needs, priorities, objectives, and goals: The best example of this behavior, is how several previous Presidents, have treated, the late leader of Jordan, King Hussein. King Hussein realized, it was against his people’s best interests, to avoid wars and conflicts, yet, also understood, he could never publicly avow, he was willing to have peaceful relations, with Israel. His approach was to be peaceful, and non – confrontational, while avoiding being controversial, or making statements, within his nation. Jordan and Israel have avoided conflicts, for many years, and while, there is no formal agreement, it has created a peaceful, co – existence!
3. When parties talk, there’s less violence: Many Presidents have recognized, while adversaries discuss possibilities, they generally avoid conflict! President Clinton attempted to create peace talks, and while they did not succeed, temporarily helped to avoid major conflicts!
4. The apparent, Trump Doctrine: Donald Trump has indicated he does things, My way, and his approach to the Middle East, appears to be another example of this mindset and behavior. While many previous administrations might have liked to favor Israel, they projected an image, of fairness, etc. Trump’s approach has been, to date, to say he can accomplish peace, like no one else, because of his self – proclaimed, negotiating prowess, and, simultaneously, proclaimed, he wants to create peace, while, simultaneously, stating the U.S. will move its embassy to Jerusalem. This is not as much about the merit of doing so, but, rather, about how doing so, is perceived, since, at least 4 religious, consider Jerusalem, as central to their religion!
There is no single, guaranteed way, to achieve a lasting peace, in a region, where there has been conflicts, for ages! Hopefully, some day, the Middle East, will discover, an enduring peaceful solution!
