Update

Search for Common Ground in the Middle East

In recent months, SCGME has been bringing together a number of participants to discuss the current crisis in Israeli-Palestinian relations, and to begin building a framework for moving beyond it. Two ad hoc meetings - one in January and another in March - witnessed useful and productive discussions on finding ways to reduce the escalation in violence, prevent further deterioration in relations, and create an environment for resuming negotiations.

In addition to meetings with regional participants, SCGME and the Applied Conflict Resolution Organizations Network (ACRON) convened a roundtable discussion in Washington at the end of April of foundations, governments, and US-based NGOs involved in peace building activities in the Middle East. This was a follow-up to a similar gathering that took place in December 2000. The meeting provided the opportunity for the heads of NGOs, practitioners, and representatives from governments and foundations to share the challenges and successes they have experienced during the past six months, as well as to review their priorities and brainstorm possibilities for future action.

In February, the Security Working Group (SWG) convened in Prague its first meeting in two years. The participants first discussed the ongoing crisis in Arab-Israeli relations, its implications for Egypt and Jordan, and the impact it has had on the wider region. Despite the difficult environment in the region, the discussions were honest and productive, as participants exposed several misperceptions, and began exploring ways to avoid a continued escalation of violence.

Participants also gave recommendations for the future of the SWG and possible subgroups, including ones on finding ways to facilitate the resumption of negotiations, new trends in regional security, the future of Iraq, and WMD. These projects are currently under development. The meeting was generously supported by a grant from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On May 1, the Media Working Group formally initiated the Common Ground News Service (CGNews). Through this weekly service, we are commissioning original articles as well as circulating articles published in the Arab, Israeli, and western press that can contribute constructively to regional dialogue and understanding. To com-plement the articles we are also distributing editorial cartoons from across the region.

The topics covered by the news service vary, but include peaceful resistance, racism, religion, and the role of the international community. The intention is to solicit views on the most interesting, constructive, and relevant range of issues possible. Support for CGNews has been provided by the European Community, UNESCO, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Among the articles distributed to date are: "Don’t Tolerate Hate," an editorial from the Daily Star, Lebanon; "The Peace Process: How the International Community Can Help" by Palestinian writer Ghassan Khatib; "Root Out Incipient Racism," an editorial by the Jerusalem Post; and "Clergy Must Lead Toward Mideast Peace" by American Rabbi Moshe Waldoks.

To subscribe to CGNews, send an e-mail to: CGNews@sfcg.org or send a fax to: CG News, Attention: Caroline Nichols at (1-202)232-6718.

Bulletin of Regional Cooperation in the Middle East Spring 2001
Copyright 2004 Search for Common Groun