Emotions are running high right now in Israel, where President Trump has just concluded meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters that during the meetings President Trump put "a lot of pressure" on both Netanyahu and Abbas. Sources confirm that Trump is optimistic about his ability to solve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. But are his hopes of fostering future negotiations and securing a peace deal unrealistic or even naive?
While the United States is definitely a key player in advancing the peace process, it will ultimately boil down to the Israeli and Palestinian leaders. And either way, this will be an interesting process to watch unfold. I look forward to arriving in Israel and diving in further to the history and current climate of the Israeli-Arab/Palestinian peace conflict. It is surreal to be able to experience this research trip at such a pivotal moment in history!
Because my research paper looks at the failed negotiations between Olmert and Abbas, I will spend a great deal of time zeroing in on the life of President Abbas and truly trying to understand his upbringing, ideology and political style. Not only will this help for my final paper but it will enable me to view any future negotiations with a greater grasp on the parties involved.
And I've still got my fingers crossed for a "run-in" with Netanyahu when we visit the Knesset...he'd make a great primary source for my research paper...! ;-)
~ Lehitraot,
Ashley
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