The Time Is Now For a U.S. Move

The Middle East is currently swimming in a sea of paradoxical statements. Some are peaceful and welcoming, while others are laced with threats of declaring war and clutching to settlement building that the international community strongly opposes, but takes no actions against.

Once again, the region is being exposed to an American presence dedicated to establishing peace and facilitating the withdrawal of troops from Iraq before the assigned deadline in conjunction with fighting terror.

Optimism regarding American efforts for peace is equal to pessimism regarding Israeli efforts to destabilize the Middle East into an area of tension and insecurity.

The United States can play a more important role by stopping Israel from accomplishing its goals. America can usher the Middle East into an era of prosperity and stability free of Israeli occupation. Any such action from the U.S. will be received warmly by the international community.

The U.S., however, is not able to control everything. Control has always been in the hands of the Zionist governments that strive to prevent peace in the region.

For the United States’ goals to be realized, it needs to exert pressure on Israel to recognize the June 4, 1967 borders and to withdraw its settlements from occupied Arab regions, according to international law. More disputable issues between Israel and the Arab countries will be settled once Israel submits to the June 4th borders.

We do not quite know what George Mitchell has in store for his second visit to Syria. The fact that the American envoy returned to Damascus indicates progress for the American effort to settle issues between Syria and Israel, despite the latter’s reluctance for peace.

Undoubtedly, the American government can pressure Israel through methods that have not yet been used in the peace process. Not fully exploiting all possible methods makes it harder for American peace efforts, especially due to Israel’s menacing statements to Lebanon and Iran.

A positive outcome is crucial for America’s commitment to peace and for the Obama administration in particular to establish full-scale Middle East peace treaty. Nonetheless, time is not on America’s side if we take Israeli statements into consideration.