Barack Obama addressed the U.N. on Thursday concerning Middle East peace, Iran’s nuclear program, among other topics. He devoted most of his speech to the troubles in the Middle East.
‘Last year, I pledged my best efforts to support the goal of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, as part of a comprehensive peace between Israel and all of its neighbors. We have traveled a winding road over the last 12 months, with few peaks and many valleys,’ he said.
He continued, ‘Some say that the gaps between the parties are too big; the potential for talks to break down is too great; and that after decades of failure, peace is simply not possible.’
He refuses ‘to accept that future. We all have a choice to make. And each of us must choose the path of peace. That responsibility begins with the parties themselves, who must answer the call of history.’
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The Israeli-Arab conflict has been going on for 60 years and there are many skeptics on whether peace is obtainable with so many factors holding back negotiations and discussions, but Obama made a bold statement:
‘When we come back here next year, we can have an agreement that will lead to a new member of the United Nations — an independent, sovereign state of Palestine, living in peace with Israel.’
He transition into talks on Iran. Obama said Iran is being held accountable for failing to meet its responsibilities as a member of the international community.
Obama talks Peace in the Middle East
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Accusations of Iran’s intent to build nuclear weapons have been circulating for months, but Obama has hopes for democracy as long as Iran can prove peaceful intent for its nuclear program.
Also, Obama still sees al-Qaida as a global security threat and noted the changes the U.S. have made in dealing with the threat. Since Obama has taken office, 100,000 troops have been t
