At his first press conference just hours after his election victory, President George W. Bush paid special attention to the Middle East conflict. He reminded the world of his pledge in June 2002 to work for a two-state solution that would enable the Palestinians to achieve their legitimate aspirations while also ensuring Israel’s survival within secure borders. More importantly, Bush insisted, on more than one occasion, that he means what he says.
Not surprisingly, initial reactions to Bush’s comments on the Middle East conflict have been positive. Crown Prince Abdullah was among the first leaders to telephone Bush to congratulate him on his spectacular victory. The conversation also gave the Saudi leader an opportunity to reaffirm the Kingdom’s readiness to work for a just and permanent peace in the region, enabling all forces to focus on defeating international terrorism.
As reported yesterday, the re-elected president will try to restart the stalled peace process by sending an envoy to the region later this month. With the Palestinians on the verge of a major transition, caused by Yasser Arafat’s condition, the need for an American initiative becomes even more urgent. In his remarks, Bush offered the Palestinians a deal: Move toward a democratic and pluralist system and I shall work to help you achieve your dream of statehood. Without political reform, he said in effect, the issue of a Palestinian state would remain “a moot point.” By all accounts a majority of Palestinian leaders are prepared to take up Bush’s offer. They know that Palestine does not need another “strongman” as leader, and that the classical Arab model of one-man rule would not be acceptable to their people. The Palestinians already have a constitution, known as The Basic Law, which, despite undemocratic elements injected into it by Arafat, could be made to work. The constitution provides for elections at all levels of authority. The United States and its allies should help the Palestinians organize those elections within the timeframe envisaged by the constitution.
Bush has dismissed those who claim that some nations are either not worthy of freedom or not ready for it. He described his belief in the ability of all human beings to live in freedom and democracy as a key part of his vision. If that is, indeed, the case, Bush should not listen to those who claim that the people of Palestine are not ready for statehood or that Arafat’s demise would lead to civil war.
The Palestinian Authority started establishing the electoral list eight months ago. So far more than 60 percent of potential voters have been registered. There is no reason why the final list could not be established, enabling the authority to hold elections within 60 days of Arafat’s position being declared vacant.
By injecting fresh momentum into the Palestinian issue, Bush would make it easier for the regional nations to offer more active help in stabilizing and rebuilding Iraq. Free of constraints linked to re-election, and bearing in mind the strong mandate he has received, Bush must use part of the capital of good will that he has won, to resume ties with the Palestinians under their new leadership.
