At a time when the much-desired two-state solution, with separate states for Israel and Palestine, seems on the back burner of most diplomats’ minds, I listened, with interest, to a TV interview by Fareed Zakaria with King Abdullah of Jordan, who made an impassioned plea for the two-state solution as the only viable means to Middle East peace. “We are wishing for the United States undivided attention,” the King said, “to move the process forward in the next few months.” Otherwise, he indicated, the US will lose credibility in the Middle East. He admitted that President Barack Obama was committed to the two-state solution, but so many other issues have demanded his attention.

“Jordan,” he said emphatically, “does not want the West Bank” referring to the so-called “Jordan option.”

“The only viable option is the two-state solution.”

What about what is going on in Israel today? He was asked. “We can live with it,” was his answer.

The King said, he had met with Simon Peres, the president of Israel, and that Peres agreed with him.

“But Israel can only think of security today,” he added, referring to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s hard line position toward the West Bank and Hamas.

What about Iran interfering?

“The core issues is Israel and Palestine,” the King persisted. But can you live with Iran if it goes nuclear? He was asked.

“Why need weapons if the Middle East is at peace?” the King argued. We have been battling al-Qaeda long before 9/11. “Jordan already had its 9/11. I’m trying to create a strong middle class, and improve our economy.”

But how do you respond to the fact there is no action being taken now?

“Don’t take ‘No’ for an answer,” the King replied firmly. Don’t be intimidated by opponent’s ideas. It comes down to education, education, education!”

Like his father, King Hussein, before him, King Abdullah is a peace-maker. Unlike some other Arab leaders, he fervently believes that the two-state solution is essential, not only for his own country’s peace and prosperity, but for that of the entire region.