Why replacing the US as a peace broker will not work

enjoy international support, it will have to cross US and Israeli hurdles.

The sad fact is that even as the US loses some of its control in the region as Russian and French influence gain traction, the special relationship between America and Israel will not be affected anytime soon. The same applies to Washington’s hold over peace negotiations.

Added to Palestinian frustration is the fact that Iran’s regional threat continues to overshadow the issues of Israel’s occupation and the two-state solution as the only means to end it. Since the Palestinians have turned their backs on Washington, the Trump administration may decide to put off plans to unveil its own peace proposal, leaving Abbas to hang out to dry.

Waiting it out, as in holding his position until the Trump era is over, may prove suicidal for Abbas. Israel will use the diplomatic hiatus to speed up plans to colonize what remains of occupied East Jerusalem and alter its cultural and demographic character forever. Otherwise he could step down and allow a new leadership to take over and perhaps resume contacts with the Americans.

Meanwhile, Abbas must remove remaining obstacles threatening fragile reconciliation efforts between Palestinian factions. He must give the go-ahead to plans to reform and restructure the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the only all-encompassing national platform.

And he must be ready to take drastic measures that could include the disbanding of the PA to raise the cost of Israel’s occupation. Unless Israel feels the need and urgency to conclude a peace deal with the Palestinians, it will never be compelled to come to the negotiating table.

It took more than two decades for Abbas to realize that the US cannot be an honest broker or fair mediator. He is now convinced that it should not hold an exclusive right to such mediation.

But the stark reality is that the US is the only country that, in theory, can apply pressure on the Israelis. And as we saw during the Obama presidency, there are limits to US sway on Israel. But unless the regional balance of power changes dramatically, the US role in finding a lasting peace remains essential and indispensable.

QOsama Al-Sharif is a journalist and political commentator based in Amman. Twitter: @plato010