Israel Progresses Despite, Not Because of US Absence
Editorial, The New York Times | July 1, 2008
By launching diplomatic initiatives with Hamas, Syria, and Lebanon, Ehud Olmert has demonstrated his readiness to take risks and his unwillingness to be constrained by "Washington's indeological blinders." ++ Yet because of the weakness and the mutual distrust of leaders in the Middle East, US support and involvement would be a real asset. ++ Israel has shown it can pursue negotiations "despite the Bush Administration's neglect" but the next US president should be prepared to offer the "unique kind of help" his country can provide.
