Lessons from the kerry peace initiative and the need for a constructive approach

The failure of the most recent peace efforts in the Israeli Palestinian conflict, by Secretary of State Kerry,
followed by the Palestinians’ decision to pursue the unilateral track, underlines the need to examine the
factors that led to this failure and to draw lessons that perhaps will provide a better understanding of
what is possible to achieve in a future negotiation. The following analysis indicates that the failure of the
process can be attributed to structural factors, substantive factors and the third party’s conduct, including
setting a goal that was unrealistic, asymmetrical conduct and a lack of understanding of the complex
political and cultural factors on both sides. Any attempt to resume the peace talks between the parties
will have to take these factors into consideration