This Fabian Freethinking paper argues that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is on the verge of becoming irresolvable but that President Obama’s first term offers a final opportunity to settle it.

Attempts to revive sham negotiations between the reluctant parties or to build trust between an occupying authority and an occupied people are a waste of effort.

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Tony Klug explores the complex web of imperatives underlying the conflict and warns that the toxins of this quintessentially twentieth century quarrel could spill over and poison an already heavily challenged twenty-first century. The best way to avoid such a calamity is swift, robust, internationally led action based on clear goals and an effective enforcement mechanism.

‘Visions of the Endgame’ describes a more assertive approach that circumvents the stalemate, calls the bluff of all parties and catalyses a new dynamic.

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Podcast with author Tony Klug

Comments on 'Visions of the Endgame':

"Visions of the Endgame is a must-read. The paper bears the characteristic hallmarks of Tony Klug's incisive thinking about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and support for a viable two-state outcome, which he was one of the first to advocate. His proposal is an uncompromising catalyst at a critical moment in the Middle East."

Professor Oliver Ramsbotham, Emeritus Professor of Conflict Resolution, University of Bradford.

"Tony Klug, with his long experience and deep insight, once again shows us how peace could pragmatically break out in the Middle East. With its innovative and balanced approach, his proposed strategy could be the breakthrough that the Obama administration and the wider international community have desperately been seeking.'

Lord Andrew Stone

"As always, Tony Klug's approach to this tragedy is thoughtful and original"

Professor Shlomo Ben-Ami, former Israeli foreign minister

"Once again Tony Klug has outdone the experts in how to unravel the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In Visions of the Endgame, Klug provides the most probable approach the Quartet can utilise to resolve the conflict during the first term of President Obama. The White House should seriously consider the proposed approach."

Hanna Siniora, former advisor to President Arafat and member of the Palestinian National Council.

"This brilliantly clear-sighted paper is, to my mind, the wisest assessment of the senseless conflict that has for so long dominated the lives of Israelis and Palestinians. With endless insight, it debunks the many myths on both sides. I now pray that it will quickly find its way to Obama's desk, inspire him with its wisdom and cause him to act immediately according to its proposals."

Moris Farhi, award-winning writer and vice president of International PEN, the worldwide association of writers.

"This is of the very high standard we have come to expect from Tony Klug and makes for a fascinating read. I hope President Obama will listen."

Professor Donald Sassoon, Professor of Comparative European History, Queen Mary University of London.