Martin Indyk, former US ambassador to Israel, was to my knowledge, an ambassador who embarrassed his government more than any other had done. In fact, as an extremist, he was once classified as one of Israel most fanatic supporters.
When he was ambassador, it was difficult to say whether his opinions were his own or his government’s; now, however, at least we know that his views are expressed as a member of the Brookings Institution.
Recently he was credited with some remarks about the failure of the peace process in the Middle East; he was, as usual, harsher than the Israelis. In fact, what Indyk said was there would not be peace unless Prince Abdullah, the Saudi Crown Prince, agreed to meet Sharon for negotiations. Though the suggestion is a ridiculous one, the man who made it is anything but ridiculous. Indyk is well-aware of the details and fine points of the Arab-Israeli problem and conflict; he was simply making a statement which would be an obstacle for the Arabs.
Let’s suppose the suggestion is a viable one even though it is an impossible one. The question becomes what Saudi Arabia could do that all other Arabs have failed to do when dealing with Israeli arrogance. And have Israel’s diplomatic representatives in some Muslim countries — including Oman, Qatar, Mauritania and Morocco — had any influence on their country’s attitude? And would a meeting including Saudi Arabia accomplish any more than previous ones with Israel, Jordan or Egypt?
Today’s truth, as Indyk is well-aware, is that Israel is unable to fulfill the peace initiatives in Sinai and Gaza begun by Begin. Shimon Peres has spoken about peace more than Begin did, but in fact, he is like an insignificant employee in the large firm of the barbarous Sharon. In the past, Peres was a bad soldier while Begin was a shrewd politician. Israeli politicians these days rank behind the politicians.
Sharon should be classified as the same type as Mulla Muhammad Omar of Afghanistan but without a beard. Omar banned education for women and though Sharon did not go that far, in pursuit of his goals, he is deeply involved with radical religious figures. Such figures as Sharon and Omar may be military men but they are not necessarily shrewd politicians.
Indyk is attempting to justify what the Israelis themselves have failed to justify. The problem is not in simply making Sharon look good — that is impossible — but dealing with his warped mind. When Indyk says there can be no peace unless Saudi Arabia sits at a table with Sharon, he is only throwing a lifeline to Sharon, a lifeline out of the current situation. What is sadly and tragically clear is that Israel cannot escape from the quicksand unless it does one thing: end the occupation of Palestinian and Syrian lands.
The talk of more meetings, further negotiations or increasing Israel’s diplomatic offices in the Arab World is only prolonging a serious illness and torturing those who have already endured too much torture — the Palestinians.
