2 comments | Print this Article | E-Mail Top Press CommentaryBush's Middle East TourIn his visit to the Middle East, President George W. Bush, in an unusual note of diplomatic urgency, has insisted that Israel and the Palestinians conclude a peace accord before he leaves office in early 2009. Speaking with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders six weeks after hosting a conference in Annapolis, Bush tried to force the change that has yet failed to materialise on the ground. In particular, Bush called on Israel to compensate Palestinian refugees and named Lieutenant General William Fraser of the air force to mediate disputes over compliance with previous agreements. Yet, for all the rhetoric, time is running out for the president to secure his legacy; and a long road toward peace lies ahead, with many more compromises from all parties involved. International Herald Tribune, January 14, 2008Comments
 Sat, Jan 19th 2008, 15:55
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Clinton failed in his last year in office. Bush will fail as well, because he does not have any of Clinton's negotiation talents and skills and experience, but more than his problems. What I don't understand: Why is Bush even trying? Does he really think he can achieve anything now after having screwed up so much in the Middle East? |
Sat, Jan 19th 2008, 13:58
Lior Petek, University of St. Gallen, Gold Contributor (107)
In this context it is worth noting, that according to a "senior Western diplomatic source" Bush has at the same time become aware of the parallel plight of the Jewish refugees from Arab countries, concluding that just as the Jewish refugees were integrated into Israel the Palestinian refugess ought to be so into a future Palestinian state ("Official: Bush aware of Jewish refugees' plight"; source: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1200308095938&pagename=J... ). Though the quoted article does not explicitly mention it, it implies that Bush is also aware that if Palestinian refugees are to be compensated, so are the Jewish refugees.