George Mitchell: His Dogged Drive for Mideast Peace

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Right-wing Jewish settlers earlier this month protest the freeze on settlements David Silverman/Getty Images

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It's been in their best interest for a long time.
Despite the horrific events of the past half century—all the death, destruction, mistrust, and hatred—a substantial majority on both sides still believes that's the way to resolve the problem.

Do you have a time frame? Two years?
We think that the negotiation should last no more than two years. Personally, I think it can be done in a shorter period of time.

What is different from the efforts of previous Administrations?
Because in at least the last two Administrations, efforts began late in the term. This President appointed me two days after he was sworn in, and you know what he said to me? "I want you to go over there tonight." I said: "Mr. President, I've got a wife and kids. I don't have any clothes with me. I have to go home and tell them I'm going to leave."

You have been Senate Majority Leader, a district court judge, and it is said Bill Clinton was prepared to put you on the Supreme Court.
He offered the position to me.

And yet is this the most challenging, the most exciting thing that you have done in your professional life?
You left out steroids and Major League Baseball. Actually, this is very difficult. Let me tell you, it takes a lot of courage for these political leaders to operate in these circumstances. There are direct threats against them and their families.

O.K., you have lots of carrots. Do you have any sticks—other than saying: "Goodbye, take care of yourself, we're out of here"?
Yes, of course, but you have to be very careful about how and when you use them.

So you say to Israel, look, if you don't do this...what?
Under American law, the U.S. can withhold support on loan guarantees to Israel. President George W. Bush did so on one occasion. But we think the way to approach this is to try to persuade the parties what is in their self-interest.

Why is President Obama's popularity so low in Israel? It's 4%.
I've heard the figure, but it's simply not true. A plurality supports him in Israel.

Emmy Award-winning journalist Charlie Rose is the host of Charlie Rose, the nightly PBS program.

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