ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the changes which have taken place in American views and policies as a result of the intifada, and identifies those changes which have yet to be made if the US is to play a truly constructive role in bringing lasting peace to the Middle East. The intifada has had important effects on American public opinion and on US policy toward the Arab-Palestinian-Israeli conflict. In particular, it has promoted a better recognition of the dangers of perpetuating the status quo in the Middle East, and of the centrality of the Palestinian issue in the conflict. American liberal supporters of Israel were increasingly joined by American conservatives, who as a consequence of Israel’s military prowess and Soviet military aid to Egypt in 1970–1971 came to consider Israel as an important strategic asset in containing Soviet influence in the Middle East.
