Aaron David Miller is one of the world’s leading authorities on the Israeli-Palestine conflict. He’s been at the heart of American negotiations on the issue for many years; few people can match his detailed knowledge of the ins and outs of the negotiating process or of the personalities and the agendas of the leading actors on the Israeli and Palestinian sides.
For years he’s been one of the leading advocates of the idea that a comprehensive peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors is both necessary and possible.
Now, he’s changed his mind. Miller still thinks peace between Israel and its neighbors would be good for American interests, but no longer thinks it should be our top priority and, more crucially, doesn’t think it can come any time soon. In a brilliant Foreign Policy piece, he lays it all out.
Read the whole thing; it’s long but it’s clear and it’s smart. I hope that people in the administration read every word; Miller’s sage counsel could save the President a lot of trouble and time.