Annapolis Conference a Failure Foretold -Yossi AlpherI have supported a negotiated two-state solution for the past 20 years. Why, then, do I remain skeptical - nay, fearful - regarding the outcome of the American-sponsored Israeli-Palestinian conference to be held in Annapolis? Everything points to a failure foretold.
The Palestinian leadership under Mahmoud Abbas has lost Gaza and only manages to control the West Bank thanks to Israeli military backing. It is in no position to make constructive concessions, let alone deliver on them. It is not significantly reforming its corrupt and inept institutions - the definitive step that must precede progress toward peace.
Better to postpone Annapolis and concentrate first on building Palestinian institutions. That's what the Quartet appointed Tony Blair to do.
(bitterlemons.org)
Palestinian Posturing -Hillel Halkin
The Palestinians are telling Israel that they are not coming to the conference at all unless [prior] agreement has been reached on the core issues. And if Israel doesn't agree, concede, or accept? Then, say the Palestinians, we're not coming to the Annapolis party - and George and Condi aren't going to like that one bit.
The Palestinians also demand that Israel must agree in advance to set a six-month time limit on how long negotiations will take. And if negotiations take longer?
Presumably, we then can have the pleasure of another intifada.
(New York Sun)
UPDATES:
Has a renewed peace process begun? -Daniel Pipes
No significant peace process exists now, nor has it ever.
Preliminary skirmishes suggest that the usual pattern will hold in Annapolis:
The Israeli side makes 'painful concessions' the Arab interlocutor imperiously disdains these, as terrorism continue[s].
Jerusalem responds with several more rounds of ever-more painful concessions until finally the Arab side grudgingly accepts them, offering airy promises of 'peace' that promptly turn into just the opposite - greater levels of hostility and violence.
It's a game that next month will mark its 30th anniversary. The Israeli body politic still has not wised up...
[Jerusalem Post]
Abbas Unable to Control West Bank Cities -Amos Harel
According to a recent assessment by Military Intelligence, the Palestinians will fail to carry out their commitments regarding countering terrorist activities. Abbas and his aides are not showing any signs of initiative and boldness in security matters...
MI also expressed concerns about the pressure the PA is applying on the U.S. to push Israel for more goodwill gestures, warning against "a bottomless barrel" of Israeli gestures for which the PA will not respond in kind.
(Ha'aretz)
Rice's Road Map -Rick Richman
The PA has yet to dismantle a single terrorist organization, or arrest a terrorist leader, in the four years since the Palestinians accepted the Roadmap.
In the same period, Israel dismantled 25 settlements, withdrew from Gaza, and released hundreds of prisoners.
(New York Sun)
1 comment:
Admittedly, it would help if the Palestinians gave a confidence vote for Abbas if he says he can deliver peace, because it is true he cannot guarantee or concede much. Like everything else, there is no hope in silence, even if there is next to none from these conferences.
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