Bill Clinton as Mediator.
In 1993, President Bill Clinton arranged for a peace agreement at the White House. As the United State’s chief diplomat, Clinton brought together Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO chairman Yasser Arafat, who shook hands after signing an agreement that granting limited Palestinian autonomy.
From the Office of the Historian of the State Department:
“Israel accepted the PLO as the representative of the Palestinians, and the PLO renounced terrorism and recognized Israel’s right to exist in peace. Both sides agreed that a Palestinian Authority (PA) would be established and assume governing responsibilities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip over a five-year period. Then, permanent status talks on the issues of borders, refugees, and Jerusalem would be held. While President Bill Clinton’s administration played a limited role in bringing the Oslo Accord into being, it would invest vast amounts of time and resources in order to help Israel and the Palestinians implement the agreement.” Read More . . .
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think the framers of the Constitution gave the president more power when it came to interacting with other countries?
2. What other powers does the president have at their disposal as chief diplomat?
3. Explain one way Congress can check the powers of the president in dealing with other nations.
Photo/Image: Yitzhak Rabin, Bill Clinton, and Yasser Arafat, by VInce Musi, White House photo