May 30, 2006
By Joel Glick

Former President Jimmy Carter is correct in his assertion that “depriving the (Palestinian) general public of income, access to the outside world and the necessities of life” is not a path to the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (“U.S., Israel punish a beset people,” May 21).

As a Jewish-American peace activist, I agree with President Carter that a negotiated, two-state solution is the only path to mutual security and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Only negotiated borders will be respected by Israelis, Palestinians and the entire international community.

Any attempt by Israel to impose final borders through the unilateral annexation of Palestinian land will preclude the possibility of a viable Palestinian state and lead to further violence.

As Palestinian president, only Mahmoud Abbas, not Hamas, is legally authorized to negotiate peace with Israel.

Polls show that 80 percent of Palestinians still want a peace agreement, despite the victory of Hamas in recent elections. The Bush administration should support both public diplomacy and back-channel discussions to achieve a final peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians.

JOEL GLICK, Southwest Portland