John Kerry

Secretary Kerry Announces Resumption Of Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks

By Hayes Brown

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Kerry has made restarting negotiations between the two a centerpiece of his time at Foggy Bottom, having made six trips to the Middle East in just the few months he’s been in office. Speaking before the Senate in April, Kerry warned that if a two-state solution is not reached within the next two years, “it’s over.” While many commentators disparaged his focus on Israel-Palestine, those efforts and since of urgency have paid off in recent weeks, as seen in today’s announcement and the League of Arab States deciding to back Kerry’s proposals earlier this week.

UPDATE

CAP expert Matt Duss issued a statement on the resumption of talks, saying Secretary Kerry’s efforts “demonstrate the best traditions of American diplomacy and show the continued importance of American leadership in the region and the world”:

As stated by multiple U.S. presidents and military leaders, finding a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the national security interests of the United States. The American people are understandably wary of the costs of continued engagement in the Middle East. The transitions now occurring in the region will continue to challenge policymakers in ways we can’t anticipate. While pessimism over the prospects for a two-state agreement is in fashion in Washington, Secretary Kerry’s diligent efforts over the past months have borne fruit and should be supported by those with an interest in a strong and secure United States, Israel, and Palestine.

http://thinkprogress.org/security/2013/07/19/2330311/secretary-kerry-announces-resumption-of-israeli-palestinian-peace-talks/