An upcoming book from State Department Envoy Dennis Ross seems to contradict a new policy regarding linking Iran to the peace process set forth by the Obama Administration. The White House mandates a resumption on peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians as crucial to any solution aimed at preventing an Iranian nuclear weapons program. Many analysts contend that Iran and Israel currently engage in warfare through Iranian proxies Hezbollah and Hamas, thereby a peace negotiation would diminish Iran’s role in the region. Conversely, many Israeli leaders believe that Iran marks the greatest threat to their country and desire an immediate solution to the Iran nuclear problem.
Ross’s new book Myths, Illusions, and Peace: Finding a New Direction for America in the Middle East, co-written prior to his appointment to the State Department, seems to assert that the peace process remains insulated from the Iran issue. Dissent from Ross to the rest of the administration on linkage could sabotage the goals of the White House or influence a change in approach towards the peace process. A notable quote from the book includes:
“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 other Middle East conflicts would melt away. This is the argument of ‘linkage.'”
