This is a major assignment (6-7 pages), so it will be worth 70 points (plus 10 more for the summary handout).

1. Based on the Slater & Economist articles (below), discuss the three biggest issues that the peace talks will have to deal with.  How were those issues addressed in the 2000 Camp David and the 2001 Taba negotiations (based on the Slater & Economist articles (use paragraphs to discuss each major issue, but you don't need to use transitions between paragraphs); about 3 pages.  

• This first part is worth the most points (about 1/2) -- so be sure to do a good job here; if you don't read the Slater article (below) you will get a bad grade!!!!
• Go here for more more information on the Middle East Peace Process
• You may turn in part 1 (slater & taba discussion) on April 27; the rest is due on April 29th.

2. Explain the point of view of your country/group regarding the conflict. In other words, what has been the historical position of your party/country?  Also explain your position on the Taba negotiations and/or the unofficial Peace plan (also known as the Geneva Accords)  -- (for more discussion, read Appendix 6 of Carter’s book).  --  (1-2 pages)

3. What are the benefits to peace for your side/party/country?  What do you think would be the worst outcome that would be acceptable to your "side" (country/party) in a peace deal?  In other words, what could you live with (stick to your party's core goals but try to be "reasonable")?   Be sure to support your claims that this is what your party wants (cite sources).   Do you think the other parties involved would accept your minimum demands?  -- (1-2 pages)

• You can merge parts 2 & 3 if you prefer, but be sure to distinguish the history of your party's involement from what you could live with
• Be sure to cite sources (especially for your positions)

4. Each group will briefly explain their “point of view” to the others at the beginning of negotiations, staking out your group/country’s main demands.  This will be done through a 1-page typed summary handout to your fellow students at the beginning of negotiations. (additional 10 points)

Articles to read for this assignment

Read Jerome Slater: What Went Wrong: The Collapse of the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process. The Political Science Quartlerly, Volume 116; 2002.

The Economist wrote a good summary of the Taba talks

The US-backed Roadmap to Peace and the Geneva Accords (a.k.a. the unofficial peace plan) may be helpful in your analysis.

Go here to read Slater's view of the 2009 Israli assault on Gaza

Mock Peace Summit Players

email me to choose who you want to portray or sign-up in class

Israeli Delegates (6)

Kadima (2) --

Likud (2) --

Labor (1)--

Shinui, Shas, Israel Beitenu or National Religious Party (1) --

Palestinian Delegates (4/5)

PLO (2) --

Hamas (2) --

Syria (1-2) --

Jordan (1-2) -- Muath S

Lebanon (1) -- Charolotte C

Saudi Arabia (1-2) -- Josh Gittemeier

Iran (1-2) --

Russia (1) --