David Miliband

Foreign Secretary

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Wednesday 29 July, 2009

Arabs Need to Talk to the Israelis

This article by the Crown Prince of Bahrain deserves wide readership. It's really excellent. It cuts through the argument that peace is a zero-sum game. It tackles the idea that every move is either a concession or an advance.

There is a group of Arab leaders who now view a regional approach as key to progress in the Middle East and see the 'rush' of moves for peace as far better than the status quo of stand-off and separation. This energy needs to find release, and that is the significance of the American drive to establish a freeze on settlements as a trigger to direct negotiations.

Posted at 12:25 29 July 2009 by David Miliband  |  Comments[4]

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Fine, if somewhat empty, words from these wealthy leaders. Rather than standing on the sidelines shouting encouragement like well meaning teachers at a school football match, perhaps they should put some of their ample pecuniary advantage into helping the cause of Middle East peace. I care not if that is by filling the bellies of starving and displaced peoples or by stopping the flow of weapons to the area. Would that not be a more honest, practical and prudent solution?

Posted by Paul E on July 29, 2009 at 09:31 PM BST #

Well, that's the problem. There are too many people, and countries, with vested interests to look out for and too much water under the bridge for this to be easy. It has become a them and us issue. Israel versus 'The Arabs'. Unfortunately the whole thing will come down to wider issues. So long as the USA is a strong supporter of Israel then US actions across the Middle East will come into play. It's the same old game of greed and politics being played out on a battlefield far from the safe lodgings of those behind it.

Posted by 247oaks - Sevenoaks Community Listings on August 07, 2009 at 11:31 PM BST #

The article was excellent and was filled with an optimisim not usually related to Palestine. I remember similiar type feelings after the Oslo agreement. I know there are many Palestinians who would welcome this dream if we could only give them some justice. I also believe there are many Israelis and Jews elsewhere in the world who have hope and who wish to live with their neighbours in an equal and fair society. Unfortunately we have a very right wing Israeli Government and we have Hamas both of who seem determined not to give an inch as this would be seen as weak. I was just wondering why Mr Miliband did not have the courage to speak in the same way as the crown prince.

Posted by Paul Macdonald on August 17, 2009 at 04:32 PM BST #

Dear David, I do full agree to you in re. of the 1st. part of your proper report.Congratulations also to the Crown Prince of Bahrain for his excellent article.But "The Arabs" doesn't exist. There are a group of Arabian countries,e.g. the Gulf-States or Egypt,who really view a regional approach as a 1st. step to a lasting peace in the Middle East.The problem are the "Hardliner-States", e.g.Syria,some Hamas-Leaders and Iran.On the other side it looks that it's not easy to negotiate with the right wing government of Israel.I don't think that they will agree to freeze on settlements.With a little luck to aTwo-States-Solution. But as long as both sides are making moves for peace there is progress and energy for the urgently needed direct negotiations.By the way:David,I think it's strange by Paul Macdonald,#3,if he is convinced that you don't have the courage to speak... Best wishes, Ingo-Steven Wais

Posted by Ingo-Steven Wais on September 01, 2009 at 04:47 PM BST #

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