Scientific Diplomacy - Dispute Resolution Israel today

A relationship based on scientific action and joint achievements can distance the younger generation from militarization and hatred - and direct it to the pursuit of science and knowledge • Opinion

With the beginning of the Biden administration's, several questions arise: to what extent will the normalization of diplomatic relations between Arab states and Israel be affected by the conduct of the new administration, and how will the Biden administration deal with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"I will be the president of all Americans";

Joe Biden sworn in in Washington // Photo: Reuters

Dr. Daniel Pipes answers these questions in the Journal of Middle Eastern Politics and Policy. His answers give the impression that some bumps may be discovered later in the process of normalization with Arab countries and in attempts to resolve the conflict.

Pipes explains that Biden's staff may give Abu Mazen and the Palestinian Authority a "carte blanche" (free hand, open check) on much of the diplomacy in the Middle East, which basically means returning to the old ways in a way that allows the Palestinian Authority a veto over policy proposals.

In this scenario, the two-state solution will never be implemented, as it will be impossible to establish an independent Palestinian state under corrupt and incompetent authority and even if established - it will never be able to provide stability and prosperity to the citizens.

On the other hand, it will constantly undermine the stability of its neighbors.

One of the common causes of instability in the Middle East is the political discourse in which Israelis and Palestinians are seen only through the lens of the conflict, a look that misses opportunities to recognize new voices on both sides of the barricade.

A relationship based on scientific doing and shared accomplishments can distance the younger generation from militarization, hatred and extremism and direct it to doing science and knowledge.

This change will be achieved primarily through "scientific diplomacy" and maintaining separation from the political field.

Scientific diplomacy can be defined as a field of research, education and practice dedicated to better understanding and strengthening the links between science, technology and international connections in order to address national and global challenges.

Scientific diplomacy is divided into two categories: Science diplomacy, which enables international scientific cooperation.

The second, science for diplomacy - scientific cooperation aimed at improving international relations.

The advantage of this type of diplomacy is that it overcomes political challenges and cultural and religious differences.

This scientific collaboration between Israel and the Arab peoples to make the world a better place is explained in detail in a book called "Thou Shalt Innovate: How Israeli Genuity Repairs the World" written by Avi Yorish.

The book details the cooperation of the Palestinians and Israelis, especially in the field of medicine.

It tells, for example, the story of a Palestinian named Muhammad, who collaborated with the Hadassah University Medical Center and the Rescue Union to save lives and develop the field of emergency medicine in a way that would serve the Arab residents of East Jerusalem.

Receiving exclusive information about Israel through the mainstream news channels means that people understand that daily life in Israel revolves only around war, violence, suicide bombings, stabbings and road accidents.

Scientific diplomacy must bypass politics in order to lead the peace process forward.

The author is a Saudi-American expert in political communication and social development