Peaceful starts
Israeli election needs to end violence

President George W. Bush and incoming Secretary of State Colin Powell will be tracking Israel’s prime ministerial election Tuesday with an unparalleled intensity.

The outcome of the election could substantially impact the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and change the whole tone of the Israeli government.

If Bush can prove himself as an effective mediator and leader in this conflict, he will gain the respect of the American people and the trust of leaders . If he comes up short in foreign policy, he provides even more ammunition to Capitol Hill democrats ready to shoot him at the first sign of weakness.

In his Senate confirmation hearing, Powell indicated the new administration would take a hands-off approach to peace in the Middle East.

Powell said the President would seek a lasting peace agreement, but there would be a “hard-headed” recognition that the Israelis and the Palestinians are ultimately responsible for agreeing on and maintaining peace.

The Israelis and the Palestinians have been fighting violently and bitterly with each other since the United Nations created the nation of Israel in 1948. Israel’s two major parties, the Labour Party, lead by Ehud Barak, and the Likud Party, supported by Ariel Sharon, have been trading power over the years as the Israeli people search for a man who can find peace with Yasser Arafat and the Palestinians.

To these men and the Israeli voters we say: Remember peace, and carry out your elections with dignity and purpose. Select the man you believe will strive with integrity to bring balance and end violence. Then stand by your decision without delay. Your nation and the world will be better for it. We recently learned that lesson the hard way.

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