Obama must play leading role

It is crucial that the US takes on an active role in the Middle East peace process if the conflict is to be resolved. The neglect of the process over the past few years has created a disastrous situation for the entire region.

President Barack Obama gave encouraging statements during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.

Obama promised his administration's engagement in the process and reminded Israel of its commitment to stop building colonies. Obama also pointed out that Netanyahu's government has the "historic opportunity to get a serious movement" on building an independent Palestinian state that exists alongside Israel.

Yet Obama has to take his calls many steps further as Netanyahu made no mention of any commitment to peace that is based on a two-state solution. Instead, he once again asked the Palestinians to ensure Israel's safety in order for them to attain statehood.

And it is this aspect of the argument being advanced by Israel that the Obama administration has to avoid becoming entangled with - let alone endorse as a policy. If the US administration is to achieve any progress in the peace process, it has to take all factors involved into consideration.