Former National Security Advisors Discuss Lack Of Progress In Middle East Peace Talks

By A.J. Swartwood

Former National Security Advisors James Jones and Stephen Hadley made it clear at a forum on Middle Eastern peace on Monday that the time for a permanent peace agreement is now.

General Jones, who served as President Barack Obama’s NSA until last month, noted the meshing of international forces that seem more inclined to act now than at any time in recent history.

“There’s a convergence of views between the Europeans, the Arab world, and the United States that this is a moment that has enormous potential,” Jones said. The General applauded the administration’s effort to spark dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and urged continued pressure.

Both former security chiefs emphasized that the plan for a two-state solution is no secret. The hard part, said Hadley, who served under former President George W. Bush, is “how do you get there?”

Both agreed that the idea of Isrealis and Palestinians brokering a solution without America’s help is not plausible — “it’s just too hard,” said Hadley. Jones agreed, citing the unwillingness of either state to move past the issue of settlements in the negotiating arena.

Hadley called for a shift in focus from the more polemic issues to more common ground. “We have got to get the debate off the issue of settlements and construction freezes and onto the issue of the terms of peace.” He mentioned that while the issue of settlements remains divisive, the idea of a peace plan is supported by 60% of both Israelis and Palestinians.