David Makovsky
Capsule Review
Sep/Oct
2009
Three "myths" and a tripartite approach to transcending them frame this book. The "core mythology" is that all Middle Eastern issues are linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The second myth concerns "larger themes of engagement versus nonengagement and regime change versus the change of regime behavior." And the third myth relates to the question of democracy promotion.
Essay
May/Jun
2005
Despite widespread calls to rush to a final-status agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians, it would be a mistake to reach for so much so soon. The parties must first restore trust after four and a half years of violence, above all by making sure that Israel's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip proceeds smoothly, leaving peace and security in its wake.
Essay
Mar/Apr
2004
Israelis and Palestinians must be separated for the Middle East to achieve some semblance of peace. At this point, that will take a fence. The good news is that Israel is already building a sensible barrier. The bad news is that the Sharon government may construct it in a way that spurs future conflict rather than ends it. The United States thus needs to step in to make sure that the right kind of fence gets built, in the right place--or else both sides will face more fighting in the future.
Essay
Mar/Apr
2001
After all the recent bloodshed in the Middle East, many have pronounced the Oslo peace process dead. But Oslo's core principle -- that peace requires an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza -- remains as sound as ever. Friendly cooperation between the two sides appears a long way off; even final-status talks may be premature. But in the interim, there is one step Israel can and must take: withdrawal from the territories, whether the Palestinians are ready or not.
