[E Rocc]

Translation: Sharon mistook sympathy and patience for weakness. He joins Ma Richards, John McCain, Algore, Chirac, and Sadam on the list of those who have underestimated Bush. It worked for Reagan, and is working for Bush as well.

-Eric

[LarryM]

Senior American officials are convinced that Sharon simply does not understand the change in attitude in the administration. Israeli officials are still trying to decipher the mysteries of the "black box," whatever it was that made Bush suddenly get involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after more than two years in which he kept a safe distance. Something took place in Washington between May 15-20, between the failed visit of the soft-spoken U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell in the region and the presidential decision to make Sharon pass the road map through his government without delay, while merely filing Israeli reservations for future handling. Who influenced Bush to come to the region and speak for the first time about his ability to pressure Sharon?

Translation: Bush caved into Saudi demands after the Riyadh bombings and embarked on a course of appeasing America's biggest enemy.

[veronica]

Anyone who believes the leftist drivel that passes for "news" in Haaretz ought to have his head examined. :) Looks to me like this writer is gleeful at the thought that terrorism might have paid off for the Palestinians. I see absolutely nothing new, of substance, that has come out of this summit - and has Sharon done nothing but considered the possibilty of a Palestinian state if terrorism ceases. What's new about that?

[mr.pink]

Interesting article. I found this item especially intriging...

Something took place in Washington between May 15-20, between the failed visit of the soft-spoken U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell in the region and the presidential decision to make Sharon pass the road map through his government without delay,...

Love to know what the "something" was, but perhaps Bush's greatest strength is keeping his cards close to his vest.

[RonF]

The parties that are wholly committed to "We will push the other side into Jordan/the Medditeranean Sea" are not represented at these talks and apparently have no intention of halting operations. Until the governments of both sides can 1) control these elements, and 2) not let their activities halt work towards peace, there'll be no peace.

[dennisw]

What ever are you talking about? ....You remain clueless as ever about Israel and the MiddleEast. I'm baffled why you post on the topic.

[bribriagain]

I hope that this will finally bring peace to this region. The killing of innocent Jews must stop.