Attention Reverting to Israel/Palestine impasse and Failures at Resolution Change and revolution within the Arab World have for some time moved attention to internal issues and away from the longstanding Israeli/Palestinian impasse. However, that is changing or, more accurately, attention is reverting to the failures in the Israeli-Arab peace process. Urging Israeli & Palestinian Leaders to Grasp the Opportunity UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged both the Palestinians and Israelis to intensify efforts toward resolution. He saw more opportunity than risk in the new “power-sharing” arrangement between Hamas in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. The current Israeli Government had on the other hand defined the Palestinian’s choice as one between peace with Israel or peace with Hamas but contending that peace with both was not possible. Unfortunately though for the last few years, peace with either Israel or Hamas had proven illusory for the Palestinian Authority. Little progress if any has been achieved even as the Arab World undergoes a potentially redefining transformation. A Violent Reminder of Homes & Recent Opportunities for Peace Lost This year observation of Nakba Day (the “Catastrophe”) was particularly violent, with more than a dozen killed by Israeli security forces as some within rioted while others from around Israeli borders pressed their return across border fences. March 15 marks every year what the Palestinians call the “Catastrophe” when Israel was created and many Palestinians lost their homes. Some have been refugees for over 50 years now. Who to Blame? Israel blamed the Syrian Government of Bashir Al-Assad for much of the demonstrators descending on its borders, claim that Damascus was using this as a diversion from the domestic riots for change. Probably that is in part true. However, two problems with the Israeli assertion – it overlooks the fact that this opportunity for Assad to divert focus exists because of failures to sustain a meaningful peace process. Further, while Assad is alienating much of Syria’s own citizens, he is being provided with the opportunity to co-opt the Palestinian cause when it has been seemingly neglected by other Arab leaders and capitals. Undoubtedly every extremist in the Arab World will seek to exploit frustration on the Israeli/Palestinian front to hold onto dictatorial power or to gain it in the midst of revolution, (depending on whether we are speaking of Syria or Egypt or perhaps even Libya). The fault is as much with those who have left the Israeli/Palestinian peace process neglected as it is with those who would exploit such neglect. George Mitchell , US Mid-East Envoy, Makes Exit & Signals Extended Failure George Mitchell, US Envoy for Peace in the Middle East resigned this weekend, but because of the riots, deaths and revolutions his departure was noticeably understated. Perhaps, because Mitschell’s resignation is a real sign of failure it was given such pithy comment. The killing of Osama Bin Laden and a broad momentum for change in the Arab World are still glowing a bright light in Washington and European capitals. However, it all can once again collapse and recede if Assad, Al Qaeda or other would be despots are provided the opportunity to redirect the spotlight upon the ongoing failures of the Israeli/Palestinian peace process and its main patrons in Washington and Europe. By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Face Book at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – DiplomaticallyX Related Reports: ---“UN Secretary General Urges Restraint” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/un-secretary-general-urges-restraint-after-israelpalestinian-clashes-by-ambassador-mo/28002 ---“East Jerusalem” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/east-jerusalem/26782 ---“Israeli Maestro for Gaza” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/israeli-maestro-for-gaza/26637