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Dr John Kent
(Reader in International Relations, London School of Economics)

Israel, the US and the Middle East: the weight of the past and the collapse of the future.

REPORT

Dr Kent examined the progress of the conflict from its roots - among which he included the unilateral strategies of Israel's founding politicians and the unwillingness of Arab leaders to attempt to persuade their people to accept a State of Israel. In his view, the failure of the United States to find solutions to these initial problems - when there was, conceivably, "a way forward" - has resulted in the subsequent pattern of ever-deepening conflict, the development of militant groups confronting Israel on its borders, and "intransigence firmly embedded on both sides". He included an examination of the difficult question as to why America is so committed to the support of Israel. This extremely well attended (by both town and gown) seminar generated much discussion and some heated debate! Informal discussions also continued well after the formal proceedings.

Enthralled Seminar attendees

Informal discussions