The Failure of Middle East Peace and the "Jerusalem First" Option

Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is critical to peace in the Middle East and one of the most difficult issues facing the world community. Developments over the last decade have contributed to the belief that a solution is within reach, yet repeated setbacks have plagued any substantial achievements. The question of how the two sides can get around this impasse beckons to be answered. If a solution can be found, an Israeli-Palestinian peace could possibly lead to the acceptance of Israel by its neighbors. This is critical to American interests in the Middle East, but more importantly to the citizens of Israel living under fear of terrorism, as well as the Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem, who have lived under occupation since 1967.