Developments in the Middle East Peace Process

This research examines current developments in the Middle East peace process. A brief history leading to the peace process is provided, and the roles of the United States an other countries in the region to further or hinder this process are discussed. The pros and cons of possible policy options for the United States is also scrutinized.

The Middle East is a region that has been torn apart by war and conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors. When Palestine was partitioned in 1948 to create the Jewish State of Israel, armies from five Arab countries immediately invaded the new nation. Since then, five wars have broken out between Israel and the surrounding Arab states, resulting in thousands of deaths and a deep-seated hatred among the peoples of the region that has evolved into ethnocentrism. Palestinians living in territories held by Israel began demanding the creation of a separate Palestinian state and the removal of Israeli soldiers from the territories.

The peace process that eventually led to the monumental 1993 peace accord began in 1991, soon after the Persian Gulf War. The United States has bee

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tiations and agreements difficult to achieve. As a friend and economic supporter of Israel, the United States carries more leverage than any Arab state with Israeli policymakers. Second, the United States--as the world's greatest military power--can be very effective in leading the international community toward acceptance of the peace process. Russia and other foreign countries, including some of the Arab neighbors, have their own agendas in mind for the region. The centralizing influence of the United States may help build international consensus around the peace process. Third, the United States is perhaps the only country in the post-Cold War period that can afford the financial and economic investments into the region necessary to secure peace and stability. Any new Palestinian homeland will require a considerable infusion of foreign aid if it is to succeed at establishing a functioning and independent economic base. Only once stable economies are created in the region will a stable peace be possible. There are several other major players in the Middle East with a vested stake in the peace process. Egypt, the second major recipient of U.S. foreign aid, has been instrumental in moving the peace process along. Established in
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2071
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)