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Talking
to 'terrorists'
By Jimmy Carter
International Herald Tribune
April 28, 2008
A counterproductive Washington policy in recent years has been to boycott and
punish political factions or governments that refuse to accept U.S. domination.
This policy deters the ability of revolutionary or uncooperative leaders to
moderate their attitude and demands.
A notable example is Nepal. About twelve years ago, Maoist guerillas launched an
effort to modify or overthrow the monarchy and force changes in the nation's
political and social life. Although the United States declared the
revolutionaries to be terrorists, The Carter Center agreed to help mediate the
dispute among the three major factions: royal family, old-line political parties
and Maoists.
Six months after the oppressive monarch was removed from power, a cease-fire
agreement was consummated. Maoist combatants lay down their arms and the
Nepalese Army agreed to remain in barracks.
Our Center continued its involvement and — except for the United States — other
nations and international organizations began working with all parties to
reconcile the dispute. Ultimately, the Maoists succeeded in achieving their
major goals: abolishing the monarchy, establishing a democratic republic, and
ending discrimination against untouchables and other groups whose citizenship
rights were historically abridged.
After a surprising victory in the April 10 election, Maoists will play a major
role in writing a constitution and governing for about two years. For the United
States, they are still terrorists.
On our way home from monitoring the Nepalese election, my wife, son, and I were
joined in Israel by former Congressman Steven Solarz, Robert Pastor of American
University, and Hrair Balian, director of the Carter Center's Conflict
Resolution Program.
Our goal was to learn as much as possible about the region in order to assist in
the faltering peace initiative being pursued by President George W. Bush and
Secretary Condoleezza Rice.
Although we knew that official U.S. policy was to boycott the government of
Syria and leaders of Hamas, we did not receive any negative or cautionary
messages about our trip, except that it might be dangerous for us in Gaza (which
we did not visit.)
The Carter Center had monitored all three Palestinian elections, including the
one for parliamentary seats in January 2006. Hamas earlier prevailed in a number
of municipal contests throughout Palestine, gained a reputation for effective
and honest administration, and did surprisingly well in the legislative race.
As victors, Hamas offered to form a unity government with Mahmoud Abbas as
president and to give key ministries to Fatah, including Foreign Affairs and
Finance.
Hamas was declared to be a terrorist organization by the United Sates and
Israel, and the elected Palestinian government was forced to dissolve.
Eventually, Hamas gained control of Gaza, with its 1.5 million imprisoned
Palestinians, and Fatah is "governing" the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Opinion polls show Hamas steadily gaining popularity. Since there can be no
peace with Palestinians divided, we believed it important to explore conditions
under which Hamas could be brought peacefully back into the discussions. (A
recent poll of Israeli citizens, who are familiar with this recent history,
showed 64 percent in favor of direct talks between Israel and Hamas.)
Similarly, Israel cannot gain peace with Syria unless the Golan Heights dispute
is resolved. Here again, U.S. policy is to ostracize the Syrian government and
to prevent bilateral peace talks, contrary to the desire of high Israeli
officials.
We met with the leaders of Hamas from Gaza and Syria, and after two days of
intense discussion with each other they gave these official responses to our
suggestion, designed to enhance prospects for peace:
Hamas will accept any agreement negotiated by Abbas and Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert of Israel provided it is approved either in a Palestinian referendum or
by an elected government. The top leader, Khaled Mashaal, has reconfirmed this,
although there have been media denials from some subordinates.
Hamas will — when the time comes — accept a proposal relayed through us from
Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to form a nonpartisan professional
government of technocrats to govern until the next elections can be held.
Hamas will also disband their militia in Gaza if a nonpartisan professional
security force can be formed.
A letter will be forthcoming from Corporal Schalit to his parents. When/if
Israel agrees to a list of prisoners to be exchanged and the first group are
released, Schalit will be sent to Egypt pending the final releases.
Hamas will accept a mutual cease-fire in Gaza, with the expectation (not
requirement) that this would later include the West Bank.
Hamas will accept international control of the Rafah crossing, provided the
Egyptians and not the Israelis control closing the opening.
In addition, President Bashar Assad of Syria expressed eagerness to begin
negotiations with Israel to end the impasse on the Golan Heights. He only asks
that the United States be involved and that knowledge of the peace talks be made
public.
Through more official consultations with these outlawed leaders, it may yet be
possible to revive the stalemated peace talks between Israel and its neighbors.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (1977-81) is founder of The Carter Center,
which advances peace and health worldwide.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/28/opinion/edcarter.php
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