Resolving the Middle East Peace Crisis

Outside of the Middle East, the question of Palestine and Israel is rarely discussed in polite company. Even on the rare occasion it is considered, the conversation often ends on some variation of "Well, I guess there is never going to be peace there. Can I get you another drink?"

The Middle East crisis cannot be brushed off as easily as a sports rivalry. It is at the heart of regional and global conflicts. The creation of a secure Palestinian state and the end of hostilities toward Israel are possibly the most important goals in global politics - and they are not impossible goals. The Middle East crisis has been close to a resolution before. It's not that far from resolution now, despite hard-line leadership on both sides.

The Israel-Palestine conflict is THE Middle East crisis because it is at the heart of virtually every conflict in the volatile region. Iran is flexing its nuclear muscles partly in response to an alleged military threat from Israel. Iranian holy war rhetoric rings hollow if Palestinians reach a peaceful agreement in Israel.

Many Arab states have grown weary of the conflict and seek a "57-state solution" as suggested by the Jordanian king. Some say they will recognize and accept an Israeli state that makes some land concessions and agrees to a lasting peace.

Even Iraq and Afghanistan could be more peaceful without a Middle East crisis. Al Qaeda and other militant groups loses a recruiting tool and rallying cry if Israel makes peace with its neighbors.

The end of a 25-year war in Sri Lanka this week bodes well for a resolution to the Middle East crisis. Sri Lanka's army declared a more one-sided victory than the resolution required for the Middle East crisis. Nonetheless, it shows an intractable conflict can reach a resolution.

Hopefully, Binyamin Netanyahu read the news on Sri Lanka. The Israeli prime minister comes to Washington, D.C., this week to meet with Barack Obama. A trim, careful eater, Obama is nonetheless a glutton at the buffet of political issues. He keeps squeezing one more big entrée onto a seemingly full plate. His brief, cautious statements on the Middle East crisis.

If he truly wants to help resolve the Middle East crisis, Obama must match Netanyahu's tough, inflammatory words with tough challenges for Israel. He also must meet and negotiate with the Palestinian leadership in Fatah and Hamas. Obama has already indicated a more balanced approach than George W. Bush's unwavering support of Israel and refusal to meet with Hamas or any other "terrorist" group or "axis of evil" government.

There is no sign Obama will back down from the long-standing U.S. military and monetary support for Isreal. However, he agreed to accept refugees from the Gaza Strip. Contrary to suggestions in the conservative blogosphere, these are civilians who escaped the battle rather than entrenched combatants. The surviving combatants are still defending the Gaza Strip. Taking in the refugees is a valuable signal of moderation and humanity on the thorny and complex Middle East crisis.