Bonus: The World Debate: What is the path to peace in the Middle East?
Oct 9, 2024
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Ehud Olmert, former Israeli Prime Minister, discusses his peace deal offer to the Palestinians. Ambassador David Satterfield shares insights on U.S. humanitarian efforts in the region. Afif Safieh emphasizes the need for Palestinian self-determination. Lord Ricketts reflects on historical challenges during Israel's invasions. Dr. Sanam Vakil highlights Iran's influence in the Middle East. Jeremy Bowen provides on-the-ground perspectives while exploring paths to lasting peace amid the complexities of negotiations and regional dynamics.
Ehud Olmert emphasizes the need to rekindle peace discussions despite the current climate, aiming for justice and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Afif Safieh argues for a decisive international role in peace negotiations to address the asymmetry in power dynamics between the conflicting parties.
Deep dives
The Quest for a Path to Peace
In the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, the quest for a path to peace seems increasingly challenging, especially following a year marked by turmoil. Discussions emphasize a shift from mere ceasefires to establishing a framework that ensures justice and security for both parties. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert proposes that despite the current climate of war, it is essential to reignite discussions about peace, highlighting historical precedents where seemingly impossible shifts in perspective occurred. This perspective insists that the international community must be reminded of the potential for peace during times of conflict rather than viewing it as unattainable.
International Community's Role in Peace
Afif Safiyyah argues that the international community must play a decisive role in the peace process to mitigate the asymmetry between Israeli and Palestinian perspectives. He suggests that existing conditions often leave peace negotiations to local entities, which tend to favor the more dominant party in this conflict. The necessity for a politically assertive international presence is crucial, as the imbalance has historically skewed public opinions and negotiation outcomes against Palestinian interests. Conclusively, having a stronger international mandate could help foster a mutually unacceptable yet workable resolution, reaffirming the two-state solution as a viable option.
Local Solutions over External Intervention
Former U.S. Ambassador David Satterfield contends that it is crucial for Israelis and Palestinians to lead their own peace negotiations, rather than relying solely on external influences. He emphasizes that, while international support is helpful, the primary responsibility lies with the parties directly involved to shape agreeable terms for peace. This approach seeks to address the complexities and traumas felt by both sides and highlights the importance of an agreed two-state solution, framing it as the only credible resolution to prevent further conflict. The ongoing discussions stress that, despite external facilitators’ involvement, success is contingent upon the will of local leaders to reach a negotiated settlement.
The Need for a Political Horizon
The episode underscores the need for a political horizon as a critical component for any post-conflict transition, especially following a ceasefire. Jeremy Bowen sheds light on what has historically gone wrong with past ceasefires, indicating that they often occur without real progress on the unresolved issues that perpetuate violence. The conversation reveals that without addressing core issues, like territory disputes and the status of Jerusalem, previous agreements have faltered. Furthermore, the role of Arab states and the significance of including them in future negotiations is crucial, as they can promote Palestinian self-determination while managing relations with Israel.
Mishal Husain is joined by a panel of guests to discuss whether this is a path to peace in the Middle East.
Joining Mishal are Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's international editor; Lord Ricketts, who served as a British diplomat for many years, including being on the Foreign Office Middle East desk during Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 1982; Afif Safieh, former Palestinian head of mission in London, Washington, D.C. and Moscow; Ehud Olmert, who was Israeli prime minister from 2006 to 2009; Ambassador David Satterfield, who until earlier this year was US special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues; and Dr Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House.
Producers: Sinead Heekin and Louisa Lewis
Editor: Owenna Griffiths
Studio direction: Ben Andrews
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