The invitation from US President Donald Trump to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to visit the White House indicates a shift in position on his part. It was only a few months ago during his election campaign that Trump showed complete disdain for the Palestinian cause, even calling for the US Embassy to be moved to occupied Al-Quds. Now that Trump is at the helm with important decisions to make, he has seen reason by showing a marked swing in his stance. After all, the Palestinian issue is the longest, living dispute that has remained unresolved. During his poll campaign, Trump had displayed a strong animosity toward the Palestinians. Instead of offering probable solutions, he sought to further complicate an already much-complicated issue. With the US having always played a mediatory role in the conflict, it was unbecoming of an American leader to show such open favors to Israel. Such a bias would have completely derailed whatever is left of the peace process. However, by inviting Abbas to the White House, putting off the relocation of the US embassy to Al-Quds, and speaking about the two-state solution, Trump has taken the right decision as the President of USA. He has shown a sense of neutrality in the conflict as it should be. The so-called Middle East Quartet seems to have abandoned its position as a mediator. It is nowhere in sight. At this point, the US has an important role to play as an international peace-maker, and is well-positioned to lead the peace process. It must pick up the baton straight off and assume the role of an unbiased mediator and seek results, contrary to the role played by former administrations.
