May 18 2009
OBAMA PRESSES FOR TWO STATE SOLUTION
I have continually posted material related to Israel, the Palestinians, and Iran. In keeping with my commitment to post on the matter, the latest news headline displays more of why a two state solution is way off. While I will not say unequivocally that a two state solution is not possible, all sides to the conflict are so far apart from reaching anything that resembles an agreement. There are too many different factions vying for position including; the US, Iran, Hamas, the Palestinians, Israel, Arabs, etc. for any real lasting agreement to be reached.
“(Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday pressed a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict but failed to win a commitment from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to back Palestinian statehood.”
The two leaders tried to paper over their differences as Obama waded into the thicket of Middle East diplomacy four months after taking office, but the divisions were hard to ignore between Israel and its superpower ally.
“It is in the interests not only of the Palestinians but also the Israelis, the United States and the international community to achieve a two-state solution,” Obama told reporters with Netanyahu sitting beside him.
In response, Obama set a rough timetable for his diplomatic outreach to Iran for the first time. “By the end of the year we should have some sense … whether we are starting to see serious movement on the part of Iranians,” he said.
Obama also said he was not closing off a “range of steps” against Iran, including sanctions, if it continues its nuclear program, which Washington believes is aimed at producing an atomic weapon but Tehran says is for peaceful purposes.
Netanyahu said that it was clear to Obama “that Israel retains the right to defend itself”. But the Israeli leader said he hoped the president’s diplomatic efforts succeeded.”
Until all countries can consider the true definition of sovereignty, the two state solution, or any other solution, may not be achievable.
