Challenges towards Attaining Peace and Stability - Essay Example

The Palestinian uprising (known as intifada) against Israel started on December 9th, 1987. The major reason for the uprising was Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Since the occupation of these territories, there has been oppression of the Palestinians by Israel (Beinin and Lockman 5). Other causes of conflicts between Israel and Palestine include border disputes, Arab refugees, water and the ownership of Jerusalem.Importance of the Situation to the United StatesThe security of the region is a major concern to the United States.

  Maintaining security in the region will give the superpower access to the region’s petroleum supplies and an assurance of the state of Israel’s security. Limiting the involvement of the Soviet Union in the Middle East will give them access to the region’s trade. US foreign policies emphasize the need to combat terrorism at all costs and prevent the development and entry of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, biological or chemical weapons) in the region. Many Arabs countries have not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and this is another reason the friction between Israel and Palestine is important to the United States.

If they can get Israel to sign the treaty, then the other Arab nations could follow suit according to Owensby (1).    Early this year (2010), there was an international meeting organized by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the Committee of the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People of the United Nations. The aim of the meeting was to bring lasting solutions to Israel and Palestine conflicts. Those present in the meeting came to a consensus to form a partnership that will enable them to achieve their aim.

The meeting addressed permanent issues such as the borders, Jerusalem, water, refugees, and settlements and was in support of the Israeli-Palestinian peace (United Nations Information System on the Question of Palestine).