Tom Griffin (London, OK): The Washington Post reports that Barack Obama is set to appoint George Mitchell as his envoy to the Middle East on his first full day in the job today.
Mitchell previously chaired the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement, so perhaps Obama is taking the much discussed analogy with Northern Ireland seriously.
Among those who have suggested that there are lessons for the Middle East from the north is George Bush's former peace process envoy Richard Haass. In a recent Newsweek article on the Gaza conflict, he wrote:
Northern Ireland is relevant here. Peace was made there only after many years and after the British Army convinced the Irish Republican Army that it could not shoot its way into power. But just as important were British diplomats, who made it clear that minority Catholics could get a fair deal if they renounced violence and embraced politics. Indeed, while they did not get all they wanted, they got a great deal more than they had.
All of which leads to President Obama and the new U.S. administration. Every crisis holds within it the seeds of opportunity, and this one is no exception. But to take advantage of it, Washington must give Palestinians a reason for choosing talks over terror. The only way to do this is to demonstrate that talking—negotiating—will deliver more than fighting.
Haass has also been touted for a position in the new administration, although it is reported that is now looking less likely.
