The Foreign Service Journal, December 2008

Need for Change on a Grand Scale A new, integrated strategy of the kind described above toward Israel, Palestine, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon resembles the recom- mendations of the 2006 Iraq Study Group. These policies and a smarter approach to terrorism and nonproliferation would do much to restore Ameri- ca’s battered reputation in the region and turn the polit- ical dynamics there in a more positive direction. Success over time in the Middle East and Iran will be difficult, but not impossible. Progress in Pakistan and Afghanistan will be even harder. Thoughtful poli- cies that deal with the causes of terrorism and wise diplomacy to help resolve regional conflicts, especially between Israel and Palestine, can restore respect for the United States. This would help to further reduce al- Qaida’s appeal and its residual terrorist potential. Our current alienation from the Arab and Muslim worlds because of failed policies and inept diplomacy has created a vac- uum. Regional states have tried to fill this void, bypassing Wash- ington. Examples include the 2002 Arab League’s conditional promise of peace with Israel if it withdraws from Palestinian territories; Saudi and Egyptian encouragement of Palestinian reconciliation; Egyptian-brokered ceasefires between Israel and Hamas; Turkish good offices between Israel and Syria; and Qatari unification efforts in Lebanon. These initiatives are all welcome. But only renewed, sustained American diplomatic leadership and real part- nership with the Middle East can redeem our reputa- tion, protect U.S. interests and offer hope for the future. Doing this right will require change on a grand, unprecedented scale. F O C U S D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 8 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 27 U.S. policy should accept legitimate Iranian interests in Iraq and the region. * per night, single or double occupancy subject to availability Y our search is over, choose a hotel where the federal per diem rate is available year-round. * Luxurious Suites All rooms with full size kitchen & stove tops Fitness center Complimentary in-room coffee Full service restaurant Parking available Across fromMain State White House, The Mall, and Metro Foggy Bottom station (blue & orange lines) within walking distance Accommodations State Plaza Hotel 2117 E. St. NW Washington, DC 20037 Telephone: (800) 424-2859 (202) 861-8200 Parking Available Rated 1 / 2 by AAA www.stateplaza.com E-mail: reservationsagent@ RBpropertiesinc.com