Palestinians Lose at Annapolis Peace Conference

Jalal Ghazi writes the weekly column 'Eye on Arab Media' for New America Media.

The Middle East peace conference in Annapolis will mark the day when Arabs make their biggest concession to Israel in over a decade. In 2002, the Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah declared that if Israel withdrew to its 1967 boundaries and allowed Palestinian refugees to return home, Arab states would normalize relations with Israel. Five years later by their very presence in Annapolis, the Arab states are signaling they are willing to normalize ties with Israel without receiving any concessions on borders, East Jerusalem or refugees.

“If not for the Arab consensus we felt today, we would not have decided to go," said Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal when he announced his decision to go to Annapolis after attending an Arab League summit. The willingness of Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to normalize relations with Israel was triggered by what they perceive as a greater threat from Iran. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

The 2002 peace initiative was considered a huge compromise because the 1967 borders would have required Palestinians to give up 78 percent of the historical boundaries of Palestine. As the Arab leaders walk into Annapolis, the Palestinian situation is dire - Israel has effectively confiscated 50 percent of the West Bank and continues to expand and build settlements.

Read More