Publisher's Synopsis
Support for establishing a viable Palestinian state was formalized in 2003 with the issuance by the United States, in conjunction with the European Union, Russia, and the United Nations, of a "roadmap" to peace, calling explicitly for the creation of a Palestinian state living in peace with Israel. Though the idea was hotly debated within Israel, Prime Minister Sharon accepted the principle of a Palestinian state in the spring of 2003, and the Israeli cabinet supported his decision. But what might the Palestinian state ultimately look like? What defines, and ultimately helps ensure, success? The authors, senior analysts at the RAND Corporation, step away from the passions and polarization that have characterized the conflict and examine in objective fashion the requirements for creating and maintaining successful statehood during the first decade of Palestine's independence. The authors discuss such crosscutting issues as the permeability of Palestine's borders, the contiguity of its lands, and the nature of its security regime.;They assess governance of the West Bank and Gaza, options for achieving economic viability, demographic issues, water rights and options for dealing with water shortages, the challenges of public safety and internal and external security, health and public health issues, and options for the educational system. The results should interest policymakers in the United States and internationally, as well as scholars and students of the Middle East, humanitarian efforts, and international relations.
