Despite all the demonization that goes round, I see solid cores of both populations that given a chance (and a durable basis for peace) will be able to get along. Not love each perhaps, but get along.
The apocalyptic visions and moaning about Arab armies, I have no idea why this is current. There’s not an Arab army around that is going to try anything (although Egypt were it to go bad might get crazy, but even an Islamic revolution in Egypt is unlikely to be that crazy.)
There is in fact a clear middle ground that both sides can be forced to. Restraint recently shown, and real movement on settlements will help get the ball moving. But Bush needs to put on the heat.
It’s a sad day when I’m more cynical than Collounsbury ;).
Unfortunately I am bit less impressed by these current baby steps. Cautiously hopeful, mind you. But it is all so fragile and both sides are so easily disrailed lately, that I am not in a positive frame of mind. I still can’t help thinking the best chance at peace came several years ago and odds are quite a bit worse at the moment ( and yes, Arafat gets a lot of blame, though he is not the only one by any means - for all that he appears on the surface to be trying harder now, his boyfriend Sharon carries some of that as well ).
Not to say I disagree with either Coll or DSeid’s characterization of a common middle-ground. I just may not have as much faith in their ability to shout above the din of the extremists ( or just the rightfully, if a little insensibly, terrified ).
Oh and I agree the idea of an apocalyptic war between Arab states and Israel is fantasyland. Not gonna happen, in any geoploitical context within the forseeable future.