It has been disconcerting to me that the President of the United States has been lobbying to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. If I were in his inner circle, I would advise him that this is an honor for which you are chosen–not one you lobby or campaign for.

But, that aside, if he can pull off a solution to the current Israeli/Gazan War, perhaps he should be so honored.

As the columnist Thomas Friedman recently wrote: “If Donald Trump is able to secure a cease-fire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, return of Israeli hostages, and it holds and paves the way for negotiations on the only solution of two states for two people…Trump will not only deserve the Nobel Peace Prize, he’ll deserve the Nobel Prize in Physics and Chemistry as well. Because that would be quite an achievement.”

I have not been a fan of Donald Trump’s top-down approach to governing nor of many of his policies — but, I too am hoping that he can find a way out of this terrible war in which Hamas killed some 2,000 Israelis, and where Israel has killed some 60,000 Palestinians in response.

President Trump is in a unique position to end this conflict. First, and foremost, in being as close as he is to Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s leader, Trump essentially coopted him, pushing Netanyahu into accepting a ceasefire and bringing the war to an end.

Trump also has deep roots and connections to the Arab countries of the Middle East, not just as President but through his family and business connections with countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. These nations met in Egypt with the United States and hammered out a deal to end the Israeli-Gazan War. Great Britain and France were also supporting the effort. It was not just the United States that was involved.

Any resolution from the carnage of Gaza to Israel’s exhaustion and diminishment resulting from this war, will require support from Arab nations in the region. Meetings are continuing in Egypt with several countries now involved including representatives from the United Nations.

So, Mr. President, I give you credit for getting the parties to the table, and, as an American, I am hoping that your efforts can lead to a permanent peace in the area.

My only advice would be that you keep after the effort. It will take time. This is no “slam-dunk,” quick-and-its-over situation. The divisions and hatreds in this part of the world run deep, so whatever solution is arrived at must have staying power and will require a long-term commitment. Wars are easy to start, but difficult to end.

Friedman addressed this same issue with a question: “Will the Trump administration have the attention, the energy and the focus that’ll be required every day to keep such a complicated solution on track?” “I hope so,” he concludes.

I hope so too. If President Trump can stop this war, keep it stopped, start a new and responsible governance for Palestine, and keep Israel within its borders…maybe he will be recognized for his work by the Nobel Committees in Norway and Sweden.

It may seem unlikely that a President who has created a Department of War instead of Defense would receive a Peace Prize, but stranger things have been known to have happened down through the course of human history.

Rolland Kidder is a Stow resident.