US ought to recognize the new Palestinian government

The greatest accomplishments always rest on one's willingess to take immense risks by making decisions that make us uncomfortable. If Secretary of State Rice is truly serious about taking steps to build a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement, she will do precisely that by recognizing the the coalition unity government of Palestine, brokered by "US ally" Saudi Arabia.

The agreement by the two rival Palestinian factions of Fatah (moderates led by Mahmoud Abbas, Arafat's elected succesor) and Hamas (radical Islamists, lambasted by the West, but popular in Palestine due to its appearance as a non-corrupt entity) should have been considered good news for anyone hoping to resume any sort of dialogue for peace. Yet, the US and Israel have threatened to refuse recognition of the Palestinian government until Hamas directly states Israel's right to exist and denounces violence.

Perhaps these threats are mere rhetoric designed to continue pressure. Nevertheless, I believe it would be a mistake for the US to refuse the new Palestinian government for several reasons.

Although the Hamas-Fatah agreement stopped short of explicit recognition, it implied something similar with the pledge to "respect" past international agreements. I know that may not satisfy Israelis in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, but it is unrealistic to expect Palestinians to put down their weapons in one day. For many Palestinians, peace and recognition of Israel will be a process--a long and ardous one where small steps are taken. Yet these small steps must yield some results in the form of US acceptance if they are to bear fruit rather than disillusionment. This was a critical moment in Palestinian politics and was widely lauded by average citizens in the West Bank and Gaza. For America to shun this truth has the potential to move Palestinians ever closer to the fringes of violence and destruction.

The agreement represented an important event in the region's politics. Saudi Arabian King Prince Abdullah personally led negotiations in Mecca, Islam's holiest city. In this context, it is important in its implications in US-Saudi relations and beyond. If America aspires to limit Iranian interests in the region, supporting a Sunni-led dialogue and helping it become succesful has the potential to undermine Shiite Iran, which considers Middle East peace a danger to its regional ambitions.

The bottom line is if Americans are truly searching to build a foundation for peace, a series of risks must be taken. Sure those risks may make us feel uncomfortable, but I believe the potential benefits can make it worth it. The current gridlock of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations has done little to boost American interests in the Middle East.

My dinner

Nothing beats the taste of beef braised and lathered in a crimson sauce of red wine, carrots, onions, and spices. Its warm, delicate and tender slivers of tissue just seem to make soul feel replenished after a long day. For our trip in DC, my mom and I made a pact to eat at the ethnic restaurants of the Adams Morgan district, trying new tastes that we'd never get here in Hawaii. But the tastes we share and consume at home always linger in our conciousness, beckoning us back for more. My dinner tonight will keep feeling me warm next week, even when its below freezing.