Continuing Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Poses Grave Risks for U.S.

Interview with Clayton Swisher, author and Middle East analyst, conducted by Scott Harris

While America is focused on the war in Iraq and the threat of international terrorism, the bloody conflict between Israelis and Palestinians continues without any serious effort by the U.S. or other nations to renew the failed peace process. While members of Hamas and other militant Palestinian groups carry out attacks against Israeli settlements and civilian targets, the Israeli military continues to assassinate leaders of armed Palestinian groups, destroy civilian houses and erect a controversial security barrier dividing Israel from the occupied territories.

Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon plans to go forward with the withdrawal of 8,000 settlers from the Israeli occupied Gaza Strip -- while making permanent some large settlements in the West Bank. But few observers expect that the Israeli leader's unilateral action, without negotiations with the Palestinians, can lead to peace.

Around the world, and especially in the Middle East, the continuing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as U.S. support for Israel, exacerbates already dangerous hatred toward America and aids terrorist groups such as al Qaeda in recruiting new members. Clayton Swisher is a former Marine reservist, federal investigator and a Middle East analyst who's new book is titled, "The Truth About Camp David." Between the Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Swisher about the continuing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and why he feels it is urgent for the U.S. to aggressively pursue renewed Middle East peace talks.

Clayton Swisher's book is titled, "The Truth About Camp David: The Untold Story About the Collapse of the Middle East Peace Process," published by Nation Books.

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