Quest for peace

Former Republican Sen. Rick Santorum tries to frighten supporters of Israel away from supporting Democratic nominee Barack Obama in part by citing my observation that Obama appears interested in ending the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip ("In addressing Israel policy, Obama displays duality," June 19).

> What Santorum does not seem to understand is that ending the conflict in the Middle East based on two states - Israel and Palestine - living side by side in peace and security is in the national interests of Israelis, Palestinians and the United States.

> This is why two states is a well-established U.S. foreign-policy goal, articulated many times by President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and is also consistent with the stated policy of the government of Israel. The alternative to peace is continued conflict, suffering and instability that would harm Israelis, Palestinians and our own country.

> No friend of Israel, or any other American, should be alarmed that Obama has expressed a desire to pursue peace.

> Hussein Ibish

> Senior fellow
American Task Force on Palestine
Washington