Now the situation has changed. The U.S., bogged down in Iraq since early 2003, is working to transfer control to Iraqi authorities so that it could channel its efforts elsewhere. There is a growing anti-American sentiment in the Arab world, and the Bush Administration hopes that a positive role in Israeli-Palestinian settlement will help it improve the U.S.' reputation across the wider Middle East. The Arab-Israeli conflict seems easier to mediate in now that Mahmoud Abbas has been elected PA President.
Many of the Palestinians doubt the U.S. Administration will really be able to get the Arab-Israeli peace process back on track, bearing in mind the Americans' traditional bias toward Israel. But the U.S. is becoming more neutral in its mediation efforts, it seems. At her talks in Jerusalem and Ramallah, Ms Rice warned Israeli authorities against any unilateral steps that would undermine the status quo. But she also called on the PA leadership to crack down on Palestinian militants.
But here are potential pitfalls for the American diplomacy to watch out for. The militant Palestinian groups Hamas and The Islamic Jihad feature prominently on the U.S. most wanted terrorists list, and it was mainly to these two organizations that Ms. Rice referred as she urged the new PA leadership to rein in terror. In Palestine, however, both Hamas and The Islamic Jihad are associated primarily with the national liberation movement, and they enjoy wide public support for their contributions to the community. Abbas very much needs their backing at this point, and any actions against them would put his political career at risk. Is the U.S. Administration aware of this? Has the bitter experience of the indiscriminate de-Baathization campaign taught the Americans to be more patient and prudent? Well, Ms. Rice has been prudent so far. She called on the Israelis to do their best to help Abbas establish himself in his post as Chairman of the Palestinian Authority.
The Israelis and the Palestinians both managed to convince the U.S. State Secretary of their commitment to a negotiated settlement. One should keep in mind, however, that Ms Rice was visiting the region at a time of generous promises, preceded by years of violence. Whether the sides will be able to deliver on their promises yet remains to be seen. But clearly, the current lull provides a window of opportunity for the United States, as well as for the other Mideast settlement co-sponsors, to show off their diplomatic skills and prove their impartiality.
