Peace Programs

Conflict Resolution Program - Trip Updates

Middle East

September-October 2009

Carter Center Conflict Resolution Program Director Hrair Balian and Assistant Director Nathan Stock visited Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, and Syria from Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2009.  Palestinians and Israeli peace advocates voiced frustration with President Obama's shift in language on the issue of Israeli settlements, dropping the call for a freeze in settlement construction in favor of "restraint."  The move has lead to a major loss of credibility for the Obama administration and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.  The situation in East Jerusalem and the Old City is explosive.  Further, provocative acts by Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem could spark renewed violent conflict.  The situation in Gaza remains stagnated, with potential for increasing violence with Israel.

On Palestinian reconciliation, there appears to be progress.  Fatah and Hamas may be close to an agreement on an interim committee, which would coordinate reconciliation, elections, and the reconstruction of Gaza until new elections could be held in June 2010.

Middle East

October 2009

From Oct. 26-31, 2009, Carter Center Conflict Resolution Program Director Hrair Balian and Assistant Director Nathan Stock visited Lebanon and Syria to follow up on Palestinian reconciliation, the formation of a new Lebanese government, the situation of Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, and the situation on the Lebanon-Israel border.  Hamas reported that certain changes to the draft Egyptian reconciliation agreement were problematic.  However, they believed that an agreement was still possible and, once reached, the January 24 election date could be postponed to June 28.  In Lebanon, the formation of a new government is frozen, and there was no clear consensus on the causes of the delay.  While the situation in the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon remains dire, there may be a consensus developing between Lebanese and Palestinians on means of addressing the situation.  The Lebanon-Israel border is generally stable, though the possibility of a serious escalation remains.