The Foreign Service Journal, June 2003

Fortunately, President Bush recently reiterated that the U.S. wants to see an independent Palestinian state by 2005, which should give new impetus to the process. Equally important, this facilita- tive role must apply across the board, not only where and when it is advantageous to Washington. That means prodding and pushing, not only the Palestinians, but also our allies in Saudi Arabia and other oil-rich nations, as well as Israel. Finally, it is essential that these changes — if they are to come — be encouraged by the United States (and the European Community as well as the United Nations). Though the U.S. remains the only superpower, the E.U. and the U.N. should be encouraged to participate in bringing peace and stability to the Levant. These institutions bring important assets to the negotiating table. The E.U., for example, can assist in economic reconstruction and help the Palestinian Authority in their building of a democratic society. Lastly, the Arabs tend to trust the E.U. far more than they do the U.S. The Palestinian Question Important as region-wide reform is, the Israeli-Palestinian question remains the epicenter of the Middle East conflict. Until that issue is prop- erly resolved, the anger and frustra- tion aimed at the United States will remain largely unchecked. Of course, after a half-century of hostility, trust between the antago- nists will not develop quickly or eas- ily. I was asked a few years ago in a radio interview if I still believed there would ever be peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. An eternal optimist, I replied, “Yes, eventually, but only after each side develops greater love for their chil- dren than the hatred and distrust they harbor for their enemies.” By implementing small confi- 54 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J U N E 2 0 0 3 The main reason the peace process has not advanced further is that the Palestinians themselves were not directly involved in the initial negotiations. Spend your time the way you want . Do the same with your per diem . • Free Breakfast Buffet • Fitness Center • Laundry • Sundowner socials Your per diem goes much farther. So the next time you travel, spend some time here at Staybridge Suites . And Make It Your Place. Tysons-McLean 6845 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22101 Phone: 703.448.5400 Fax: 703.506.0001 Owned by McLean Hotel LLC and Operated by Grand Duke Hotel, LLC Visit Staybridge Suites MCG FINANCIAL PLANNING Former State Department Employee Stationed Overseas Understands Unique Financial Situation of Foreign Service Services Include: Retirement Planning Tax Preparation and Strategies Analysis: Insurance and Investments Lump Sum Retirement Options MARY CORNELIA GINN 4630 Montgomery Avenue, Suite 220 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Phone: (301) 951-9160 Fax: (703) 938-2278 E-mail: mcgfin@erols.com S ECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH N ATHAN & L EWIS S ECURITIES , I NC ., M EMBER NASD & SIPC. MCG F INANCIAL P LANNING AND N ATHAN & L EWIS ARE NOT AFFILIATED ENTITIES .