At a University event Tuesday entitled “The Future of Peace and Democracy in the Middle East,” Thomas Friedman, a three-time Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times foreign affairs columnist, and Salam Fayyad, former prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, examined the state of leadership and the potential for peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The discussion covered the viability of a two-state solution, the role of Hamas and the influence of international actors, including President Donald Trump.
Old Cabell Auditorium served as the backdrop for this event, which marked the third installment of the University’s “Enabling Difficult Conversations” series, co-sponsored by the Jewish Studies Program, the Miller Center and the Middle Eastern & South Asian Languages & Cultures Department.
Events in this series bring together experts in journalism, academia and foreign policy to cultivate dialogue on contentious global issues. Thus far, the series has focused on the current conflict in Israel and Palestine. Previous events in the series featured former Middle East peace negotiators who discussed ceasefire negotiations and professors who examined strategies for leading productive discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Moderated by Jennifer Bair, senior associate dean of academic affairs and professor of sociology, the event Tuesday aimed to provide insight into the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader challenges facing the region — including how to extend the current ceasefire. While introducing the event, Bair spoke to the goals of the series in bringing together different perspectives.
“We've been trying to put into practice a couple of key messages about what [genuine] dialogue requires.” Bair said. “First, a mutual recognition of shared humanity. Second, being open to listening and learning, even when disagreeing. And third, a readiness to take steps together.”
Prompted by a question from Bair, Friedman and Fayyad explored the viability of a two-state solution in light of ongoing conflict. Friedman emphasized that unlike other historical conflicts, this current one lacks a definitive resolution or clear victor, leaving both sides in a perpetual state of unrest. Without a structured peace plan, he said, the region faces indefinite instability.
“The alternative is either a one-state solution or one-half-state solution [where only partial sovereignty is granted], or a small two-state solution,” Friedman said. “It's actually no states for two people, because you will just have that permanently binding forever war [with no clear resolution].”
The discussion also examined how the possibility of a long-term ceasefire might be impacted by Trump. After reaching an agreement Jan. 15, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially took effect Jan. 19. The ceasefire, which will take place in three stages with the aim of ending the 15-month long war in Gaza, begins with a six-week end to fighting and the release of hostages from both sides. If the ceasefire holds, the second and third stages will involve the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and eventually a plan for reconstruction.
Friedman and Fayyad analyzed Trump’s previous policies to consider how he could influence future peace negotiations. Fayyad characterized Trump’s past policies as ambiguous and unclear and stated that his unpredictability created challenges in the conflict.
Nevertheless, Fayyad suggested that regional actors could engage Trump in future negotiations. He proposed that Arab nations collectively approach Trump with a concrete path toward Palestinian statehood rather than waiting for the United States to dictate terms. He emphasized that any diplomatic progress would require careful coordination and a clear vision for governance.
“[Trump is someone] that needs to be responded to effectively,” Fayyad said. “He is upset. He said something has to be done. Indeed, something has to be done. It has to begin with us assuming full responsibility, talking about leadership.”
The conversation also covered the influence of other external powers, including Iran and Egypt. Friedman criticized Iran’s role in the Middle East, arguing that its support for militant groups and involvement in proxy conflicts have prolonged instability. He stated that meaningful change would require confronting Iran’s influence and addressing its impact on the region.
Also within the context of the recent ceasefire deal, Friedman and Fayyad discussed the role of Hamas in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They examined how Hamas’ actions have maintained control in Gaza while deepening internal divisions with the Palestinian Authority — the interim self-government body that administers parts of the West Bank. Both speakers agreed that the militant group’s presence complicates efforts toward long-term peace.
Friedman argued that Israel’s lack of a clear exit strategy has strengthened Hamas’ position in Gaza — he said that the absence of an outlined diplomatic resolution has allowed Hamas to maintain control despite ongoing military pressure. Friedman also described the most recent release of hostages as a calculated public relations move by Hamas to gain power and said that during ceasefire negotiations, Israel has failed to define its next steps towards diplomacy.
Along with external barriers to long-term peace, the speakers also discussed the internal political challenges facing Palestinian leadership. Both agreed that any credible effort toward peace requires addressing corruption and strengthening governance.
Fayyad acknowledged the deep divisions within Palestinian leadership, which he described as a major obstacle to unity. He noted that previous agreements to establish a shared government framework between Gaza and the West Bank have failed to take effect. Without resolving these divisions, he said, it will be impossible to move toward statehood.
Fayyad emphasized that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military action alone. He argued that any lasting solution must be grounded in governance by and for the people. Without a legitimate government, he said, peace efforts will continue to fail.
“It’s not government for the people, if it’s not government by the people,” Fayyad said.
Fayyad concluded by offering advice he would give to young people in the region interested in international relations and diplomacy. He encouraged young people to take an active role in civic engagement and leadership development, and to seek opportunities to broaden their perspectives and contribute to public service.
The next Enabling Difficult Conversations Series event will be held Feb. 26 and will be a screening of the film The Path Forward, a documentary highlighting Palestinians and Israelis advocating for peace, justice and an end to violence. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the film’s directors, Julie Cohen and Mo Husseini.
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