Financial Times: Trump’s Deal and Palestinian Rights

US presidents repeatedly try and fail to secure peace in the Middle East, and the United States remains “arguably the one country with decisive influence on both the Israelis and Palestinians,” writes Kofi Annan, former secretary-general for the United Nations. He reiterates a comment made by the US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley that peace and security require attention to human rights, that people “robbed of their humanity and dignity will inevitably want revenge.” Annan argues for a fresh approach that breaks the longstanding deadlock, and argues that failure is inevitable if historic dispossession, settlement expansion and refugee rights go unaddressed. Taking a new approach, recognizing flaws of the past and working toward a fair two-state solution that truly benefits both sides, would require courage. Annan concludes by urging Palestinians and Israelis to consider the agreement between Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk for ending South Africa’s apartheid for inspiration. – YaleGlobal