Conflict requires U.S. leadership

In Israel and Palestine, the situation might get worse before it gets better. Israel confirmed Sunday that a soldier was kidnapped by a militant Islamic group. \nPalestinian mobs last week killed two Israeli reserve soldiers in Ramallah, and Israeli helicopters attacked Ramallah and Gaza City. The death toll now stands at about 100, and local factions on both sides of the line are protesting continued peace talks. It seems international intervention isn't making any difference in relations between the two nations, and it is tempting to give up.\nJust as the violence intensified, Russia announced it would shift its role, from a quiet co-sponsor of peace talks with the United States to an active participant in those talks. The United States now has an active ally to which it could pass the torch of responsibility for brokering peace. At this point, it is tempting to wash our hands of the entire affair. But that is the wrong approach.\nThe United States has long played a prominent role in peace talks, and to pull out now would only worsen an already volatile situation. President Bill Clinton, in his weekly radio address Saturday, admitted it would be hard to get Israel and Palestine to agree on certain issues. But he said it was worth trying again, because the United States has a "profound interest in peace." We have vital economic interests in the area, and our nation has a strong bond with Israel.\nThe Jerusalem Post reported Sunday that Israeli Prime minister Ehud Barak had low expectations for Monday's summit, and said he only agreed to attend because of Clinton's prodding. It reported that an anonymous Palestinian Authority official admitted Chairman Yasser Arafat was participating only because of U.S. pressure. If that is the case, the United States is having an effect on negotiations, and is influencing the two sides to come to the table to work out their differences.\nClinton was right in his radio address. It might seem that it's time to give up, because nothing seems to be working and the fighting continues. But now, more than ever, we need to continue our prominent role, and do everything we can to get both sides to the table to meet and discuss the issues that will define the future of the Middle East.