The development of American Palestinian Relations

A Proposal for a feasibility study of

The development of American Palestinian Relations

27-10-2010

The development of the Palestinian American relations is considered one of the main tasks for a meaningful plan toward an independent Palestinian State. This is evident because of the powerful role the US plays in the Middle East in general and the special American relationships with Israel in particular.

A successful implementation of a correct relationship with the US should yield at first a fruitful change of image among the Palestinians or the Americans toward each other. This is necessary for peace in general.

The role of the Palestinian Fateh Foreign Relations Commission is central for this big task.  However, we have to admit that the Commission readiness for such a task is the least at this point. Reasons include external and internal factors.

In order to improve on the effectiveness of the Commission in this regard one needs to address the problems causes, the obstacles, and the solutions.

In addition, one needs to define new objectives dynamically on the strategic or the tactical levels. This should include institutional changes and structural reforms, human resources development, capacity building, and logistic support.

Of course, the above should be part of a general overall plan to reform the Commission role. The plan should be based on objective and rational reasoning with transparency and clearness concerning tasks or means.

Capacity building and training efforts should be given some reasonable priority. These include training Fateh cadre and institutions on issues like communication skills, responsibility, democratic principles and diversity,  respect to human rights & the rights of the adversaries, dealing with modern terms and technologies, humanitarian refinement and development, civil responsibility, objective transience, team work, youth involvement and power sharing, delegation of responsibility, and setting up  programs for permanent development and progress.

To serve  the above principles and objectives one needs a comprehensive feasibility study to address the available and the needs, set strategic goals & plans, and  establish effective teams to implement policies that lead toward productive American Palestinian relations.

The Study Methodology shall address and cover the following tasks:

• Review and assessment of the existing and previous relevant programs.
• Set up workshops and meetings to discuss and present the new approach. Meet with the stakeholders and get their input. meetings should cover various specializations with experts from the US and Palestine and should define the strategic long term and short-term needs and plans.
• Define common objectives for various parties and suggest common policies.
• Suggest various training activities and capacity building programs. This could include training courses, workshops, seminars, and fact-finding missions. Topics, target groups, duration & location, and skills & expertise of the trainees should also be addressed.
• Establish a national team to conduct the feasibility study and prepare for the implementation of its findings and conclusions.

Output from the study

• Set up a plan and a program to improve and build successful American Palestinian relations on the strategic and executive levels.
• Establish a national team to effectively take the responsibility of strategic planning and execution.
• Implement capacity building and collaborations programs.
• Improve the coordination and cooperation among various Fateh groups.