Talks with Middle Eastern Countries is the Answer

"Democracy in Action Series"

Pt. I:

It seems that the world is descending into chaos. The U.S. is more deeply embedded in Iraq than ever; meanwhile, the war appears to have no end in sight, and casualties (on all sides) are mounting. In response to this disturbing trend, some political figures, including Illinois senator and presidential hopeful Barack Obama and former president Jimmy Carter, are asserting that the U.S. should practice diplomacy with Middle Eastern nations, especially Iran, Turkey, and Palestine.

First, a major cause of U.S. involvement in the Iraq quagmire is a lack of diplomacy with Iran. During the Persian Gulf War, the first Bush administration imposed sanctions upon this nation. These sanctions have led to a communication breakdown as well as fueled Iran's hatred of the U.S.

Secondly, it is crucial that the U.S. foster diplomatic relations with Turkey, a cultural and religious link between East and West. Turkey has seen much bloodshed during its long history. Centuries ago, the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman Empires seized control of Turkey. Conflicts between Christians and Muslims persist today. Also, understanding the culture and history of Turkey is central to understanding current events in the Middle East. Iraq is comprised of three religious groups: Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds. Saddam Hussein, who was a secular Sunni Muslim, banished the Kurds to the northern periphery of Iraq. Many sought refuge in Turkey after they were displaced during the Persian Gulf War. Following Hussein's execution in December 2006, fundamentalist Shiites overtook the Iraqi government. Relations among Turkish Christians and Muslims and Kurdish refugees are contentious, to say the least. Furthermore, the recent U.S. troop has only served to decrease unity among religious groups in Turkey and Iraq.

Finally, the U.S. government must engage in an open dialogue with Palestine. This is perhaps the most controversial of all aspects of the Middle East peace process in that many Americans erroneously believe that the U.S. should support Israel. The fallacy of this belief is that the modern Israeli state, established in 1948, was not created by God. Rather, it is the result of the 1967 Six Day War in which Israel captured the West Bank in Jerusalem, a land that belongs to Palestine. Expansion of Israeli settlements in this area is a violation of International Law. Zionism (belief in Israel as the Promised Land) is also backhanded, because many Evangelicals believe that Jews must convert to Christianity in order to "get into Heaven." In addition, advocating for Palestine is not anti-Semitic. According to the Bible, the Palestinian Jews are God's chosen people. Therefore, we should support the Palestinian Cause, not Israel. Diplomacy with Palestine is the key to peace in the Middle East.

So, it is obvious that the U.S. needs to negotiate with certain Middle Eastern nations. First, the U.S.-imposed sanctions on Iran must be lifted. Secondly, we must inform ourselves in regards to the complex political and religious history of Turkey. Finally, we must realize that peace is only possible through open diplomacy with Palestine. Ultimately, we must elect leaders who are willing to try diplomacy. This is how we can begin to create a more peaceful and just world.

Below is a list of books that will facilitate readers' understanding of the preceding subject matter:

Carter, Jimmy. Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. Simon & Schuster. 2006.

Karabell, Zachary. Peace Be Upon You: The Story of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish Coexistence. Alfred A. Knopf. New York: 2007.

Pamuk, Orhan. Snow. Vintage. 2005.

(Look for Pt. II of this series sometime in October.)