As the United States plans to spur Mideast peace efforts, CFR expert Elliott Abrams says progress in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will come through development and building a legal system in the West Bank, not negotiations when the conditions aren't ripe.

Explanations for the lack of progress in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians fail to acknowledge one fact: the Palestinians’ repeated rejection of increasingly attractive Israeli offers, write Elliott Abrams and Michael Singh. The reason behind this lies in demographics, evolving regional dynamics, political realities and increasingly asymmetric means of warfare--all of which are tilting the Palestinian people away from a two-state solution with Israel.

Elliot Abrams argues that the Obama administration is pursuing a confusing and unclear policy towards Israel.

Prompted by the "complete failure" of the President's Israel strategy, Elliot Abrams asks, "can anything else possibly go wrong for the Obama administration's Middle East policy?"

Elliot Abrams questions the Obama administration's "disastrous" foreign policy choices in regards to Iran.

Elliot Abrams counteracts arguments that portray life among the Palestinians as unbearable and getting worse.

Elliott Abrams argues that support for democracy and human rights should be present in U.S. foreign policy toward Egypt.

Elliott Abrams comments, "The [Obama] administration views the Israeli-Palestinian issue as the root of all problems, while Israel is focused on Iran's nuclear threat."

Elliott Abrams argues that the Palestinians will lose on a ‘settlement freeze' too.

Elliott Abrams argues that the Obama administration is not acknowledging prior understandings about settlements in the West Bank.

Elliott Abrams argues, "In Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech today he took one major step toward the Obama administration, by endorsing a Palestinian state. In every other way, he resisted President Obama's pressure."

Elliott Abrams argues that Lebanon's recent elections can be considered "free," while Iran's elections should not.

Elliott Abrams suggests that President Obama's speech in Cairo should focus on "freedom and the future."

Elliott Abrams discusses the upcoming meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Elliott Abrams reviews The Persian Night by Amir Taheri, in Commentary.

Elliott Abrams argues that Congress should approve the United States' 123 Agreement with the United Arab Emirates.

Elliott Abrams argues that calls for a freeze on settlement activity beyond the Israeli border are counterproductive to laying the foundation for a future Palestinian entity.

Elliott Abrams, former chief Middle East adviser on the National Security Council, says the Obama administration's move to send diplomats to Damascus for talks marks "a real policy change" but he is doubtful it will amount to much.

Elliott Abrams argues, "we are not on the verge of Israeli-Palestinian peace; a Palestinian state cannot come into being in the near future; and the focus should be on building the institutions that will allow for real Palestinian progress in the medium or longer term."

Elliott Abrams writes, "Secretary of State Clinton must reject Hamas "unity government" ploy."