Israel and the United States share a common bond based on common values. It is in the vital interests of both nations to bring a lasting peace to the Middle East and end the Israeli-Palestinian and broader Israeli-Arab conflicts. Neither the Israeli people, the Palestinian people, nor the American people can afford to wait until the close of another U.S. presidency to forge ahead toward a lasting peace. I was very taken by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's recent statement that Israel would be "finished" if a two-state solution is not realized - we owe it to our Israeli friends and to ourselves, to make sure that that day never comes.
The absence of diplomatic engagement to advance peace by the Bush Administration, a policy only recently reversed, has done a disservice to US interests in the region and beyond, and to America's Israeli ally, whose security situation has deteriorated in the last years. That said, it is my hope that the Annapolis process, launched with the full cooperation of the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships, will deliver progress.
This issue, while complex, can be resolved - and that is likely to require American leadership and encouragement. American engagement - not imposition of a solution on the parties - but consistent diplomatic attention, is something that has been pursued in the past and welcomed by Israel and her neighbors. The U.S. should not cease in its efforts to achieve a two-state solution in which Israel's neighbors recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state, living in security alongside an independent and autonomous Palestinian state.
Resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be pursued in parallel to diplomatic engagement that must take place with Iran, Syria and Arab allies. These efforts, if undertaken with diplomatic skill, will be mutually supportive and strengthening, and can also serve to quell radical forces in Iraq and generally, be part of a more effective push-back against Al-Qaeda. These efforts require a concerted and ongoing commitment to diplomacy by the United States and should not again be left to another U.S. Administration worried about its legacy in its waning days.
Iranian threats to eliminate the state of Israel are unacceptable and should be taken seriously. But, it is also essential that the U.S. engage in a serious diplomatic effort with Iran that addresses all issues of concern, including Iran's nuclear program, Iranian opposition to the peace process, including assistance to groups that deploy violence to this end and a shared approach to stabilizing Iraq.
Donna Edwards
Candidate, US Congress, MD-CD-4
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