A very good speech by the King of Jordan

http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=6095

snip

AMMAN (JT) - The US should be completely involved in Middle East peace process to influence the course of discussions, monitor progress and help bridge the gaps to ensure a final agreement by the end of 2008, His Majesty King Abdullah said on Friday.

In a speech he delivered at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, the King stressed “the critical importance of a long-term strategic American involvement in the development of the Middle East”.

“I am here to explain that such a commitment is an opportunity to transform the strategic landscape of the Middle East for years to come,” he told students and faculty members at the school (see full text).

The King urged college academicians to help draw up a US strategy in the area.

I know that optimism does not come easily in academia. But I do know about the visionary thinking that is the scholar’s gift. Today, I ask you to employ visionary thinking to consider a short- and long-term strategy that will ensure a viable, stable, prosperous Middle Eastern region and a safe and secure world for all.

Highlighting the fact that the world’s 57 Muslim countries are not at peace with Israel and whose citizens deem the conflict in Palestine as the issue of their time, His Majesty warned of the implications for global stability if the Mideast conflict continues.

He asserted that 2008 is a critical year. “We are in the best possible position to resolve 60 years of conflict between Israel and Palestine,” especially since the Arab and Muslim states have committed to an “unprecedented and unanimous peace initiative”.

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He has a wise perspective and should be listened to, although Washington's "help" has been very one-sided.