U.S. gives up on expansion freeze

U.S. gives up on settlement freeze

WASHINGTON (AP) — From the start of his term, President Obama was determined to defy the cynics and doubters and push for peace in the Middle East.

You know I didn't vote for the guy but I did hope that he could bring some new cards to the table regarding this conflict.

After months of grueling diplomacy, using a mixture of pressure and promises, the White House abandoned attempts to persuade Israel to slow West Bank settlement activity.

Ugh, Didn't see that coming. Anyone else wanna give it a shot? U.S. being the referee here clearly isn't working. I want this to be a debate, I dont have a point to prove or a bone to pick. I want international opinions here, honest opinions. Not hate.

The city of Jerusalem, Israeli expansions:

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The city of Jerusalem is has one of the richest cultural histories of any country. Unfortunately the two cultures that exist as the majorities there today are at each others throats. How much will the Palestinians give? How much do the Israelis want peace? This TIME article from September has a great viewpoint on that.

A watching world may still see their country as being defined by the blood feud with the Arabs whose families used to live on this land and whether that conflict can be negotiated away, but Israelis say they have moved on.

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Can someone draw me a map? Should I upload an image from google earth and just let you guys draw the borders? It's like a mexican standoff. Neither side is right. How can there ever be peace here? I know there's a ton of places around the globe where lines in the sand are being brooded over daily but this is a defining, pivotal schism for all of mankind. Can't we please figure this out for once? I'm not even that big on Lennon but I guess I'll just leave this here, it seems fitting on the day we lost him.