Assignment

Read pages 597-600 in The New American Democracy, "The U.S. Politics of the Arab-Israeli Conflict."

In an essay (750-1,000 words), answer questions 1-3.

1. Support Israel's crackdowns on militant Palestinian groups. But would this position alienate Arab allies of the United States, such as Saudi Arabia, and complicate the war on terrorism?

2. Support the rapid creation of a Palestinian state. But would this position send the message that terrorist bombings are effective?

3. Force the two parties to the bargaining table, taking a hands-on role in negotiations and in the implementation of whatever peace plan might result. Perhaps the United States could even produce a peace plan of its own. But would such an effort waste U.S. diplomatic energy, taking attention away from the nation's other international responsibilities?

Explain your answers in the context of your views on the role of foreign and defense policy. Also, consider how the United Nations affects how the United States responds to conflict.

Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide.