Additional Views

Independent Task Force Report
Strengthening Palestinian Public Institutions

June 28, 1999

Council on Foreign Relations

 

On the Importance of Establishing a Trend Line

This report is an impressive document. Its authors are to be commended for the work they did, and the Council on Foreign Relations should be commended for pushing the large project along and keeping it on a rigorous timetable.

I would like to make three general comments about the report.

First, the detailed recommendations in this report go to the heart of governance. They apply, not just to the Palestinian Authority, but to many governments around the world. Yet, the Palestinian Authority exists in a complex environment over which it is not in complete control. It is not the government of a country. I view this report as a helpful road map for the Palestinian Authority. I hope it does not overwhelm the authority.

Second, the report should acknowledge that the implementation of its comprehensive recommendations, almost all of which are desirable, will take many years, perhaps decades, to achieve. Quick results should not be expected. The key is the trend line and the exhibited willingness of the PA to try to grapple with the myriad of proposals made.

Third, there is a message in this report for the United States and other donors. The report should have included some of the essential next steps of implementation that the Palestinians’ international friends and regional colleagues can help facilitate. The value of the report will be greatly enhanced if the international community is able to find the basis for a coherent and coordinated plan to help the Palestinians help themselves.

Lee Hamilton