Momentum needed on two-state talks in Middle East

As Jews
wrap up their Hanukkah celebrations and Muslims celebrate Muharram, I am
reminded of the human element behind the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many
ordinary Israelis and Palestinians are no different than you and me. They want
to celebrate life, peace and a world free of conflict.

Unfortunately,
peace is far from reality in the region. What is the underlying problem in this
excruciating conflict? Two peoples claiming their rights and history to a
piece of land smaller than the state of New Jersey.

I have
always believed that the only peaceful and just resolution to this conflict
lies in a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in
peace and security, within internationally recognized borders.

A two-state solution between Israel and Palestine has never been achieved as
originally envisioned. Frustrations mount on both sides, and neither now feels
like it has a workable partner to uphold any agreement. Even American
efforts to seriously engage the region prior to the Obama administration have
been lackluster. Fortunately, President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
keenly understand the urgency and nuance of this conflict, and I am encouraged
that progress is being made under their leadership and the work of Special
Envoy George Mitchell.

We have
much work to do. America, as the world’s sole superpower, must continue
to engage in diplomatic efforts to bring the region back from the brink of
destruction and toward a fair, lasting peace. The Arab states in the region
must play a significant role as well in order for this to happen.

There
is a tremendous need in the region for an outside mediator, and it is clear that as allies of
both Israel and surrounding Arab states, the U.S. must play an
important and essential role in the peace process.

We can,
and must, continue to be involved and encourage both sides to come to the
negotiating table to achieve a two-state solution. It is within our power to
create an attraction toward such an agreement. Resolving this conflict will be
a difficult and lengthy process, but one that the U.S. has a moral imperative
to strive toward.

For
Israel, the world must recognize the Jewish, democratic state’s legitimacy and
right to exist, given its three-millennia of history in the land of
Israel. This is unquestionable in my mind. Israel remains an important
ally in the Middle East and its safety, security and welfare are in our
national security interest.

For
Palestine, we must also acknowledge the right of Palestinians to their own
state. Palestinians, especially innocent civilians in Gaza, have been living
under harsh conditions, and their humanitarian plight is something that cannot
be ignored.

Both
the Israeli and Palestinian people deserve to live a life free of the threat of
attack or psychological fear. It has always been my hope that our involvement
in the region may be used to improve the lives of people affected by
this conflict — people just like you and me — and I hope we can act quickly in
pursuit of long-overdue peace for both states.

Honda represents California’s 15th district.