President Obama Should Increase Push for Peace in the Middle East

As the global economy attempts to crawl out of the current economic downturn, there are signs that a major conflict could arise in one of several hot stops around the world. Despite being involved in two official wars, in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are whisperings that the United States' somewhat undeclared war in Pakistani tribal areas could escalate. Outside of these hotspots, there is increasing concern that shooting could break out once again between Israel, and the Palestinians or Iran, with the United States drawn in to help mediate the conflict.

As the 2008 presidential campaign drew to a close, so did the prominent antiwar protests. Perhaps it is time to once again look at the benefits of peace and take a less hawkish view. Yes, there are real and legitimate global security concerns, but is the Obama administration pushing compromise as much as it could in the Middle East?

The recent attack on what was supposedly a humanitarian convoy to Gaza illustrates that the Middle East remains a tinder box, and that despite a recent lull in activity, violent clashes are still possible. Anything the United States could do now to prevent a broader conflict might prevent the loss of thousands of lives.

Now, the Gaza fotilla incidence has driven a wedge between Israel, and Turkey. Turkey has long been viewed as a somewhat moderate nation in the middle east which was able to deal with both Israelis as well as primarily muslim nations. Now that Turkey is not expected to fill this void, the pressure will be on the United States to intervene more directly. This is problematic as the United States has been viewed as counting both Turkey and Israel among its allies.

Possibly, the Obama administration will not as forcefully criticize Israel for the attacks as many in Turkey would like. This might lead to increased hostilities toward the United States in the Middle East, and might make the brokering of a peace treaty that much more difficult.

That doesn't mean that the Obama administration shouldn't try pushing for peace though.

Sources:

http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1992200,00.html

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2010/0601/Israeli-raid-on-Freedom-Flotilla-shatters-key-Turkey-Israel-ties