‘Myths, Illusions, and Peace’: Linkage: The Mother of all Myths

[shira]

Of all the policy myths that have kept us from making real progress in the Middle East, one stands out for its impact and longevity: the idea that if only the Palestinian conflict were solved, all the other Middle East conflicts would melt away. This is the argument of “linkage.” Neoconservatives have always rejected it, given their skepticism about Arab intentions and their related belief that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be resolved. While realists have been the most determined purveyors, this myth transcends all others and has had amazing staying power here, internationally, and in the Middle East. In fact, few ideas have been as consistently and forcefully promoted – by laymen, policymakers, and leaders alike.

One need not look too far for examples of linkage’s pervasiveness. Note the words of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak in early 2008 when, standing next to George W. Bush at a joint press conference following their talks in the Sinai resort town of Sharm al-Sheikh, he recounted their conversation: “I emphasize that the Palestinian question, of course, is the core of problems and conflict in the Middle East, and it is the entry to contain the crisis and tension in the region, and the best means to face what’s going on in the world, our region – I mean by that, the escalation of violence, extremism and terrorism.”

King Abdullah of Jordan made much the same argument during an interview with an American television network in 2006: “I keep saying Palestine is the core. It is linked to the extent of what’s going on in Iraq. It is linked to what’s going on in Lebanon.”

Not only Middle Eastern leaders see the Palestinian issue at the heart of all other regional problems. Brent Scowcroft, former national security advisor to Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush, echoed this basic point of view in an essay published in early 2007:

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http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/08/books/excerpt-myths-illusions-peace.html?_r=1

[Lakrosse]

1. I really want to read this

as I always knew that this false reductionism is a lie. Thanks for posting this, once I finish this book called "Churchill and the Jews" by Sir Martin Gilbert I will pick this book up.

[Sezu]

2. heh....royal despots and their ilk in the M.E. LOVE

such a linkage because it keeps the serfs minds off their own internal nightmares. Jews once again get to be the eternal scapegoat.