Missing the process for the peace

Daled Amos quotes from Contentions arguing that Secretary Rice would be better off using her clout to try an protect Lebanon instead of trying to save the “peace process.” Lebanon’s fragile democracy is under assault by Syria (and its master, Iran) and the United States is doing nothing.The NY Times reports: Rice Urges More Mideast Talks, but Won’t Mention a Cease-Fire

But highlighting the predicament in which the Bush administration finds itself as it tries to negotiate a Middle East peace deal, Ms. Rice took pains not to use the phrase “cease-fire,” even though several of America’s Arab allies, and even some Israelis, are pushing for a negotiated cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.“I’m saying that we want the violence to stop,” Ms. Rice said. “Call it what you will.”

Administration officials are concerned that a negotiated cease-fire between Israel and Hamas — which the United States views as a terrorist organization — would give Hamas even more legitimacy than it already has in the eyes of the Palestinian people.

Hamas of course, isn’t simply viewed as a terrorist organization. It is one by definition. But the bigger problem is not that a ceasefire will improve the image of Hamas, the problem is that it will leave it intact, free to upgrade its weaponry and infrastructure.

Unfortunately, Secretary Rice digs up some old, tired rhetoric:

“We need to continue to work to make sure that everyone understands that Hamas is doing what we expected — using attacks on Israel to try to arrest a peace process in which they have nothing to gain,” Ms. Rice said. “We need to keep the focus on that.”

No, Hamas isn’t trying to “arrest a peace process” it is attempting to destroy Israel. The firing of rockets at civilian targets isn’t a problem because it endangers talks, but because it is an act of war. Making the “peace process” a goal unto itself is one of the most counterproductive habits diplomats engage in. Sure talking is better than fighting. But if the conditions for a final settlement aren’t in place, talks will get nowhere and more likely give the bad guys the respite they need to to regroup and relaunch.

Crossposted on Soccer Dad.