Middle East 2010 - BBC Debate: Making Peace in the Middle East

TL;DR

Leaders in the Middle East are grappling with the question of whether the right people are engaged in the peace process, as tensions and distrust between parties continue to grow.

Transcript

Welcome from me, Nik Gowing, to Marrakech in Morocco. Can face to face meetings between the main leaders in the Middle East ever achieve lasting security and peace right across the region and beyond? The momentum for high level negotiations seems to be faltering despite the commitment to progress engineered by President Obama last month. Gloom and ... Read More

Key Insights

• ✌️ Despite the reluctance of some leaders to participate, there is a sense of optimism that a breakthrough in the peace process is possible.
• 🙃 The emotions and frustrations of all sides must be acknowledged and addressed for successful negotiations to take place.
• 🗯️ The involvement of religious leaders and the recognition of each side's right to a nation state can contribute to a more constructive approach to peace.
• 🙈 The reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas is seen as a crucial step towards progress in the peace process.
• ✌️ The role of the international community and the Arab League is important in promoting and supporting peace efforts.

Questions & Answers

Q: What kinds of people or personalities offer the best chances for successful negotiations?

According to negotiation expert Professor Dan Shapiro, successful negotiations require people who are willing to listen and recognize the emotions and frustrations of the other side. It is important to have leaders who are committed to the path of peace, despite growing resentment and frustration.

Q: Should Hamas be involved in the peace process?

There are differing opinions on whether Hamas should be included. Dore Gold argues that Hamas does not meet the criteria set by the quartet and does not recognize Israel or renounce violence. However, Husam Zomlot believes that once internal Palestinian issues are sorted out, Hamas should be involved in negotiations.

Q: How can the influence of Hezbollah and Iran be reconciled in the peace process?

Including Hezbollah and Iran in the peace process is challenging, as they oppose the fundamental premise of a two-state solution. It is important to find a way to weaken Iran's soft power and drain the influence of extremist groups. Progress on the peace process can help achieve this by offering an alternative to radical ideologies.

Q: Are the right people being listened to in the peace process?

Khalid Abdulla-Janahi believes that it is crucial to listen to the views of the people on the ground, as they are the ones directly affected by the conflict. He emphasizes the importance of the Arab League and the international community being more proactive and supportive in the peace process.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Despite President Obama's efforts to progress peace negotiations in the Middle East, the momentum for high-level talks seems to be faltering.

• The debate in Marrakech highlighted the intensity of emotions and the difficulties in getting all sides to participate.

• The discussion involved representatives from Fatah, the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, and the Global Agenda Regional Council on the Middle East, along with young activists and social entrepreneurs from the region.