The European Union could play an effective role in the Middle East peace process (which has been going on for ….) if it does several things.

First – remember European values. Remember that it must seek reconciliation between the parties, yep (dughhh). Also remember that this must be carried out in the spirit of the interests, including security, of all and this spirit must be in the spirit of firmness, but never out to make enemies or issue threats. This is a basic flaw in the US foreign policy, it is totally brutal realism without humanity.

Second – always promote the two state solution. As stated above, both the Israelis and Palestinians have their interests and this centers around security. The capital of Jerusalem should be the capital of both, but this proposal is difficult and could be achieved without proactive statements.Keeping in mind other actors. However, we must remember that some of the sides’ leaders, like Netanyahu, will require more teeth. He also has European allies, like Germany and Italy, and sometimes Israel’s European allies might be acting in concert with US, especially US Congressmen. There may also be those that believe that the Palestinians are victims only – and that what ever they do to “struggle” is legitimate, including terrorism.There could be difficulties in the future, as we learn more about the HAMAS leader assassination and the possibility of criminal charges against Israel officials.  What is important is the the EU stick to its role as a normative power in the world – and respects and promotes international law and the legal process regardless what third actors, in the Quartet or elsewhere want.The EU should, and appears to be, forming its own policy that is independent of third actors on the world stage.The tour that HR Ashton is taking in the Middle East could help raise the EU’s international profile, which could raise its profile in other regions. This is what HR Ashton’s office should be working for in EU foreign policy. This is more important now under ToL than in the past. Ashton has shoes to fill after Javier Solana, who was said to have a “brain the size of the planet.”  Ashton must be seen as independent of London, as well as certain third countries that may also have separate interests, while at the same time placing higher status to the United Nations and international laws and institutions.See:  Ashton tells Israel settlements hurt peace plans