Do the US and Arab StatesSee Eye to Eye on Palestine?
The United States has failed to change its approach to the Middle East conflict, but Arab states are consolidating alliances with the divided Palestinian political establishment, writes Ahmad Azem.
While headlines point to US efforts to restart negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, there are no indications suggesting Washington is willing to change its approach or policy, which has failed to deliver significant results over the past 20 years.
In the meantime, an Arab League delegation will head to Washington before the end of the month, according to statements by Mohammed Sabih, the assistant secretary-general for Palestine and occupied Arab territories at the Arab League.
"The Arab message is clear, providing nothing new. I believe that the delegation will explain the circumstances surrounding the peace process and the obstacles that have been placed in its way. The delegation will also listen to the American side." Sabih continued, "During his second term, President Barack Obama along with John Kerry, the secretary of state, have become well aware of the details of the situation in the Middle East." He then added, "The dialogue that will take place will clarify the steps that are required from the US to save the peace process."
The delegation to the United States, to be headed by Qatari Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim Jabr al-Thani, suggests that Qatar has abandoned the idea of a Palestinian "reconciliation" summit. The Qatari project that was presented at the Arab summit in March regarding the Palestinian cause included three items: holding an Arab mini-summit to achieve reconciliation among the Palestinians; creating a $1 billion fund to support Jerusalem's Arab identity, among other financial assistance; and mobilizing the countries’ delegates to go to Washington, meet with Obama administration officials and push the peace process forward.
