Winds of Change in U.S. Mideast Policy Are Blowing
Welcome–Bruchim Ha-baim
On behalf of myself and the other contributors to A Time to Speak Out, I welcome you to this blog promoting our new book. When we first wrote the essays here towards the end of 2006, it was in the aftermath of the Lebanon War. There was great consternation in Israel and the Diaspora about the failure of the war and what this meant both for the nation, its relationship with its Arab neighbors, and Diaspora Jews’ relations with Israel. We knew change was in the air and we thought we knew where those changes would take us, but no one could be sure.
As time has passed, I think future events vindicated the dissenting approach many of us took to Israeli policy. Our calls for more democracy both within Israel and within Diaspora communities have also borne fruit. In the U.S., where I live new groups like J Street have arisen to give Aipac a run for its money. The former’s election victories in many races point the way to a softening of Jewish politics when it comes to promoting a tough pro-Israel approach.
Barack Obama’s election also brings hope to many Jewish progressives that the current logjam blocking the Israeli-Arab conflict may be broken. His announcement of a major initiative among Muslim nations including an address in an Arab capital in his first 100 days in office, promises serious, perhaps even a radical break with the current administration.
I’d like to see Obama reinvent Tedd Roosevelt’s old saying: “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Instead I’d like the new president to affirm: “Speak softly, listen humbly and drop the stick.” Forget about attacking Iran or giving Israel the green light to do so. Embrace the Syria-Israel negotiating track currently mediated by Turkey. Begin at least indirect talks with Hamas in hopes of reuniting the Palestinian factions into some semblance of a governing entity. Endorse the Saudi peace initiative.
It may seem like it, but this doesn’t have to be diplomatic rocket science. A return to 67 borders, sharing Jerusalem, and Arab recognition of Israel. All this can be done.
