Crown Center assesses 'The Obama Presidency and the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict'
In new Middle East Brief, Shai Feldman and Khalil Shikaki look at the president's regional approach
The first ten months of the Obama administration’s efforts to achieve a breakthrough in Arab-Israeli peacemaking have led to widespread disappointment among Palestinians and to growing anxiety among Israelis. This brief first provides an account of the Obama promise to the Middle East, highlighting the innovations characterizing his approach to the region. It then offers an explanation of what went wrong—of how both the administration and Israeli and Palestinian leaders contributed to wasting this initial period. Next, the Brief sets forth options available to the administration if it seeks to overcome the present impasse and jump-start Palestinian-Israeli talks. Finally, it offers some guidelines for a more promising Middle East peace process.
Download "The Obama Presidency and the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict" (PDF).
The full Middle East Brief Series can be accessed on the Crown Center's Web site.