U.S.-Palestinian Relations: Should the U.S. Support a West Bank/Gaza State?
Abstract
This paper attempts to answer the following question: Should the United States support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the West Bank and Gaza Strip? In reality, there can be only one of two answers, although important subsidiary issues exist. Putting these issues aside, the answer depends on which aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian dilemma are most important: whether one gives Israel's security needs first priority, or even absolute priority; or whether one believes that without a West Bank/Gaza state the Palestinians will forever stir up trouble and instability, leading at some point to another war. It is well-known that no U.S. Administration has ever openly supported the establishment of a West Bank/Gaza state for the Palestinians. In the first part of this paper, the author traces the policy lines on this question during the Nixon, Carter, and Reagan Administrations, and sketches early elements of the Bush policies that are beginning to emerge. The Bush Administration, like that of President Reagan, has signaled its opposition to such a state. Also of interest is a look back at the views of President Carter and Israeli Prime Minister Begin, specifically at the tension between Begin's views and Carter's vision of a comprehensive peace. In the second half of the paper, the author addresses U.S. interests and policy objectives, noting that the Palestinian state issue has never been a key U.S. concern on the part of politicians or the public at large. There are disagreements over how a Palestinian state would affect U.S. geostrategic and economic interests, but it seems evident that no U.S. decision to support such a state could be taken without a major divisive political debate. Finally, the author reviews the Palestinian Liberation Organization's (PLO) position regarding an independent Palestine, and sums up arguments for and against a Palestinian state.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA436980
Entities
People
- Kenneth R. Mckune
Organizations
- National War College