Overview
Each question will be worth 50 points. The purpose of the questions is to bring what you have learned in the class and think about how to understand the current Middle East, especially the ongoing war in Gaza. Although there is no specific page limit, I would recommend that no less than three very good paragraphs are necessary to answer these questions.
Also, DO NOT USE OUTSIDE sources from this class in your response. Use the readings and course materials to answer the questions. Including outside sources without prior permission will result in a lower grade.
Please only use the sources I provide to you, and do not make it sound too complex.
Question 1: There were two Camp David Summits directly relating to bringing peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors. The first one in 1979 was a success. President Jimmy Carter, President Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Begin worked together and created the Camp David Accords, resulting in the Egyptian Israeli Peace Treaty. This treaty continues to this day. However, in 2000 President Bill Clinton hosted Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Miniter Ehud Barack. Why do you think, based on the readings, and modules from this class, did the 1979 Camp David Summitt succeed but the 2000 Camp David Summit fail to bring to peace between Israeli’s and Palestinians?
Question 2: Can there be peace between the Israeli’s and Palestinians? On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel resulting in heavy civilian casualties. Consequently, war has ravaged Gaza. Putting aside the reasons for the war, some have argued that a two-state solution is the answer. Based on the readings, do you think this a viable option? Is it realistic to expect that a Palestinian state will be created? What conditions, based on your readings from this class, help inform you of whether a two-state solution is viable or not? (This is a more open-ended question; however, I want you to apply what you have learned and not use OUTSIDE sources to answer this question). Look at historical trends, perhaps different foreign policies, and the dilemmas of the two-state solution.
Sources for question 1 (and see Powerpoint attached):
see attached pdfs and powerpoint presentation for sources for question 2