Once again we are at different places, Bill. But first I need to say that when I say I consider an essay excellent it hardly means I agree with it. Just that something interest was said well.
However, in this case, I think the quoted section you offered is the deal that will eventually get struck.
The maddening thing is, the outlines of a Middle East peace are obvious: Israelis abandon most of the settlements; Palestinians abandon the right of return. A neighborhood in East Jerusalem is declared the capital of Palestine; the religious sites are put under international jurisdiction. Vast majorities of Jews and Arabs support this deal. The notion that war will somehow speed along a better one assumes the Palestinians will somehow change their minds about real statehood.
But that right now there is no way to get there. Sharon certainly doesn't wish to go there; and Arafat hasn't the ability to get there. So, to repeat my typing all these months we've typed at one another, I still believe the Algerian scenario, as devastatingly sad as it is, is the governing one. This deal is the most likely deal that will have to be returned to. But far too many will die before it returns. And, Klein is right, much of the present blame can be placed on the failure of the Bush administration to engage.
But, then, you knew I would end with something like that, didn't you. |
