The U.S. mediator role in the Israeli Palestinian conflict. (c2015)

Abstract

This thesis aims to examine the distinct U.S. administration policies in reference to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the creation of the latter. It details how successive administrations have helped, or not helped the countries move towards a solution of the crisis. In particular, the thesis looks at what the U.S. has done to promote peace in order to assist specialists make necessary reforms for success in their negotiations and peace talks. However, since it is really difficult to cover and examine each characteristic of a successful mediator, as well as relating it to the role of each administration, this research will focus on the commitment of the U.S administration as primary mediator of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The research is organized as follows: Chapter One introduces the main research questions and argues the importance of this investigation. Chapter Two reviews the literature in reference to the effectiveness of international mediation and the United States of America's role as mediator of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Chapter Three aims to establish the United States of America's participation during the origins of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while Chapter Four examines the U.S.'s mediator role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Chapter Five discusses the current status of the U.S. as mediator of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Chapter Six reviews some reasons for the U.S. withdrawal fi·om active mediation. Finally, Chapter Seven reviews some obstacles and opp01tunities for the American role of mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conclusion answers the main research questions laid out above, by asserting that the United State administration should take a more active and dominant role, and avoid withdrawal under frustrating circumstances. History suggests leadership, commitment, and a culturally sensitive approach should be maintained to further mediation and peace talks, instead of pushing for a solution that is not ripe. This would be more useful as compared to using Western mediation approaches, which are often not compatible with the Middle East region and their cultural situations. All ofthese factors have been deemed as necessary requirements for any international mediator to succeed.

This thesis aims to examine the distinct U.S. administration policies in reference to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the creation of the latter. It details how successive administrations have helped, or not helped the countries move towards a solution of the crisis. In particular, the thesis looks at what the U.S. has done to promote peace in order to assist specialists make necessary reforms for success in their negotiations and peace talks. However, since it is really difficult to cover and examine each characteristic of a successful mediator, as well as relating it to the role of each administration, this research will focus on the commitment of the U.S administration as primary mediator of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The research is organized as follows: Chapter One introduces the main research questions and argues the importance of this investigation. Chapter Two reviews the literature in reference to the effectiveness of international mediation and the United States of America's role as mediator of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Chapter Three aims to establish the United States of America's participation during the origins of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while Chapter Four examines the U.S.'s mediator role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Chapter Five discusses the current status of the U.S. as mediator of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Chapter Six reviews some reasons for the U.S. withdrawal from active mediation. Finally, Chapter Seven reviews some obstacles and opportunities for the American role of mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conclusion answers the main research questions laid out above, by asserting that the United State administration should take a more active and dominant role, and avoid withdrawal under frustrating circumstances. History suggests leadership, commitment, and a culturally sensitive approach should be maintained to further mediation and peace talks, instead of pushing for a solution that is not ripe. This would be more useful as compared to using Western mediation approaches, which are often not compatible with the Middle East region and their cultural situations. All of these factors have been deemed as necessary requirements for any international mediator to succeed.