In an essay published last fall, Michael Doran called to task U.S. presidents and policymakers from Jimmy Carter to Barack Obama for pursuing the creation of a Palestinian state despite the fact that such a goal is both unrealistic and inimical to American interests. Responding to Doran, Tarek Osman partially concedes some of his points, but contends that geopolitical circumstances are likely to change, and that one could imagine a new situation that would militate in favor of Israeli territorial concessions. Doran rebuts this argument. (Free registration may be required.)

Since gaining independence in 1971, the United Arab Emirates, like other Arab nations, has not had formal relations with Israel. Yesterday, President Trump announced that Israel and this small, wealthy country will establish complete diplomatic ties, including bilateral economic treaties, tourism, and direct flights. In exchange, Jerusalem has dropped its plans to extend its sovereignty to parts of the West Bank. Shmuel Rosner comments: