Abstract
This master's thesis explores the domestic and foreign diplomatic efforts made by the George H.W. Bush administration from Janurary 1989 to June 1990 to initiate direct negotiations between the parties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By studying primary materials, such as presidential records, official correspondence, and contemporary newspapers, the study sheds insight into the motivations and strategies of administration leaders President George H. W. Bush and Secretary of State James A. Baker III. The report also reveals the administration's pragmatic approach to peacemaking and its attempts to manage the rugged political terrain in the Middle East and the United States.