Xenia Kelemen’s Post

Despite the current ceasefire and hostage exchange, the Middle East is still far away from achieving peace and security for all those living in the region. Chancellor Merz’s assertion that there is no longer a reason to demonstrate in support of Palestinians obscures this reality. Earlier this month, close to 200 Middle East experts published a paper outlining a new way forward for German (and European) Middle East policy based on international law, historic responsibility, and strategic interests. Their policy recommendations include: 📍 consistently enforcing international and EU law, 📍 grounding peace efforts in equal rights and self-determination, 📍 confronting the spoilers, 📍 supporting civil society efforts, 📍 and strengthening European cooperation in foreign and security policy. This paper is distinct from other open letters or calls for an end of the war that have been published in recent months in that it is very comprehensive and takes a broader view of the conflict rather than focusing on current events. What’s more, it demonstrates a broad consensus among a critical mass of Middle East experts in the German context (including some experts from other relevant disciplines such as international law and genocide studies). Amid high levels of polarisation around this topic, this paper provides a constructive basis of discussion grounded in facts and human dignity. 📝 Read the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/eqpkAZWr 🎥 For an excellent summary of the key points, watch the first 15 minutes of the press conference: https://lnkd.in/euAGuRSJ It was a pleasure to support this invaluable initiative and to work with the brilliant team led by Philip Holzapfel, Dr. Muriel Asseburg, and Daniel Gerlach.