Arab nations, U.S. discuss new peace approach

May 7, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

CAIRO (AP) — Israel, Syria, Lebanon and other Arab nations would sit down together to try to resolve the Middle East conflict under a new “combined approach” currently under discussion with the U.S., Jordan’s king said Wednesday.

The idea is the latest indication that the Obama administration is trying to build on the shared interest of its Arab allies and Israel in blunting the threat from Iran. As part of the new strategy, Arab diplomats said this week that the U.S. has asked the 22-member Arab League to amend a 2002 peace initiative to make it more palatable to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet President Barack Obama on May 18 to push for a tough U.S. stance on Iran. Israel argues that progress in peace with the Palestinians can’t happen unless Iran is reined in.