[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

[xJones]

“I think that it’s absolutely critical, and the president has made this clear on a number of occasions, that terror and violence be ended, that it's impossible to conceive of progress being made in the direction of the two-state vision unless there are decisive efforts to bring that about,” Burns said after his meeting with Shalom.

This will be interesting. Can Hamas and the other terrorist groups be quiet long enough to gain a Palestinian state? My bet is they can't. Those leopards aren't changing their spots, even in their own best interests. And the Palie schools will still go on teaching hatred, the Pali media will continue preaching hatred, and until that changes, nothing will. The ultimate goal will remain the same.

[montag813]

There it is...Mazen has saved us a lot of subterfuge and put it out on the table for all to see...the desruction of Israel is their goal, as it always has been.

[Nonstatist]

I can't believe the Americans will shove a "roadmap" that points to 2 Palestinian States down the throats of the Israelis.... Maybe Israel should do as Sharon secretly wants; and just wait out the Arabs for 30 years until alternatives to oil can be fully developed.

[My2Cents]

Seems to me that the "Palestinians" (i.e., Arab immigrants living in the vicinity of Israel) aren't in a real good position to demand anything.

[American in Israel]

Well this is the Palestinian Dream:

[American in Israel]

This "new" guy spouts all the tired old retoric. Same sh** different faces.

And why are we pretending things are different exactly?

[meema]

This does not look good. This 'all or nothing' stuff is going to go nowhere fast. Right of return to their homes in Israel is a non-starter. If Abbas {or someone, anyone}doesn't have the power and support to tell these people the truth, there will be no deal.
Move the settlers back into Israel and build a HIGH and DEEP WALL. Sort of like a DMZ. If Israel did that, I would support a defense agreement with them.
Everyone knows we would never allow Israel to be defeated anyhow.

[El Gato]

Does this mean all the Sephardic Jews forced out of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Moroco, Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya, etc, etc. will get to return to those countries and get all their property back, with interest to cover the loss of its use during the interveining years?..... I think not.

[Light Speed]

Technically Abu Mazen and Co cannot introduce this ..as it is not part of this periods Roadmap...

PHASE I: the Palestinians immediately undertake an unconditional cessation of violence according to the steps outlined below; such action should be accompanied by supportive measures undertaken by Israel. Palestinians and Israelis resume security cooperation based on the Tenet work plan to end violence, terrorism, and incitement through restructured and effective Palestinian security services.

Palestinians undertake comprehensive political reform in preparation for statehood, including drafting a Palestinian constitution, and free, fair and open elections upon the basis of those measures.

Israel takes all necessary steps to help normalize Palestinian life. Israel withdraws from Palestinian areas occupied from September 28, 2000 and the two sides restore the status quo that existed at that time, as security performance and cooperation progress. Israel also freezes all settlement activity, consistent with the Mitchell report.

At the outset of Phase I: Palestinian leadership issues unequivocal statement reiterating Israel's right to exist in peace and security and calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to end armed activity and all acts of violence against Israelis anywhere. All official Palestinian institutions end incitement against Israel.

**Comically..this is what is supposed to occur right now...

Abu Mazen and the Vultures must wait for:

PHASE III: PERMANENT STATUS AGREEMENT AND END OF THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT 2004-2005: Progress into Phase III, based on consensus judgment of Quartet, and taking into account actions of both parties and Quartet monitoring. Phase III objectives are consolidation of reform and stabilization of Palestinian institutions, sustained, effective Palestinian security performance, and Israeli-Palestinian negotiations aimed at a permanent status agreement in 2005.

Convened by the Quartet, in consultation with the parties, immediately after the successful conclusion of Palestinian elections, to support Palestinian economic recovery and launch a process, leading to establishment of an independent Palestinian state with provisional borders.

Such a meeting would be inclusive, based on the goal of a comprehensive Middle East peace (including between Israel and Syria, and Israel and Lebanon), and based on the principles described in the preamble to this document.

Arab states restore pre-Intifada links to Israel (trade offices, etc.). Revival of multilateral engagement on issues including regional water resources, environment, economic development, refugees, and arms control issues.

New constitution for democratic, independent Palestinian state is finalized and approved by appropriate Palestinian institutions. Further elections, if required, should follow approval of the new constitution.

Empowered reform cabinet with office of prime minister formally established, consistent with draft constitution. Continued comprehensive security performance, including effective security cooperation on the bases laid out in Phase I.

Creation of an independent Palestinian state with provisional borders through a process of Israeli-Palestinian engagement. Launched by the international conference. As part of this process, implementation of prior agreements, to enhance maximum territorial contiguity, including further action on settlements in conjunction with establishment of a Palestinian state with provisional borders.

Enhanced international role in monitoring transition, with the active, sustained, and operational support of the Quartet. Quartet members promote international recognition of Palestinian state, including possible U.N. membership.

*****Kinda don't see right of return in there..nor compensation to Palestiunians who do not return.