Is a Just and Lasting Peace Possible?. Issue 3 (1st September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giacaman, George
• Is Part Of: Mediterranean politics. Volume 21:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 447
• Page End: 451
• Publication Date: 2016-09-01
• Subjects: Mediterranean Region -- Politics and government -- 1945- -- Periodicals; 320.91822
• DOI: 10.1080/13629395.2015.1126388
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1362-9395

Abstract

Abstract: The right-wing drift in Israeli public opinion that brought Benjamin Netanyahu to power for the fourth time has deepened the existing political stalemate, sharpened internal Palestinian discontent with the Palestinian Authority (PA), and further undermined its legitimacy. After nearly a quarter of a century of negotiations, since the Madrid conference in late 1991, the PA appears to have reached the end of the line. Its attempt to "internationalize" the conflict by seeking recognition as a state by the UN Security Council and the General Assembly is meant in part to gain time and fill the political gap. Palestinian civil society groups perceive Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) as an alternative strategy to the failed "negotiated process" to end occupation even if it is a long term effort. A stable and just peace does not appear possible in the near future, and in the long run the nature of the solution need not be the one deemed at present as the only possible one.