The Impact of Annapolis
November 27, 2007
What will be the impact of the Annapolis meeting? Most pundits and politicians here in Israel certainly don't expect peace. One impact? It could bring about the end of the Olmert government since his coalition might break up as a result of proposing the division of Jerusalem. It also might very well weaken an already weak Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority. He faces a serious challenge from the Islamist group Hamas in the West Bank.
For the U.S., it's unlikely it will bring a lasting legacy to U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice for negotiating an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
While some may credit her for at least trying, others would suggest, more harm than good could come. Why? Because her diplomacy is pressuring Israel into dividing Jerusalem and proposes that Israel give up most of its Biblical patrimony to establish a Palestinian state "living side by side in peace and security."
The main principle is found in Genesis 12:3 which says; "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Could it be that U.S. pressure is bringing our nation on the wrong side of Genesis 12:3?
For years, Bill Koenig has chronicled the relationship between U.S. efforts to pressure Israel and what he believes are the resulting natural disasters, economic distress or political fall-out to affect our nation.
In two books, "Israel: The Blessing or the Curse" and "Eye to Eye: Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel" Koenig chronicles the timing of natural disasters and U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East.
In this recent article, he documents events in 2007.
You might not agree with his analysis, but in the light of today's Annapolis meeting, it is powerful food for thought.
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