John Kerry has acknowledged that there is skepticism — even cynicism — about renewing the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks that broke off five years ago. But, during his first months as Secretary of State, that's what he's focused on, with repeated visits and at least ten long phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He says improving the West Bank's economy would be a good start, but neither side has shown any change on issues necessary to a two-state solution. Israeli settlements, Palestinian refugees, Jerusalem and national boundaries are as divisive as ever. Palestinians are politically and geographically divided. Polls show that neither side really believes that peace has a chance. Does the US have the power — and the commitment -- to make a difference?
John Kerry's Gamble on 'Middle East Peace'
Credits
Guests:
- Geoffrey Aronson - Foundation for Middle East Peace
- Josef Olmert - University of South Carolina
- Diana Buttu - Palestinian attorney and analyst - @dianabuttu
- Julia Bacha - Just Vision - @juliabacha