Abbas and Nethanyahu: Carpe Diem!! / Hopeful thinking

On the morning of the alleged tri-parite meeting in NYC, I am hopeful that this day can begin, finally, the process that brings a equitable and just plan for the Holy Land and a resulting Peace Accord. By this point, we know not to be too hopeful, as it takes very little to throw everything in disarray. Additionally, the domestic considerations on each side (Nethanyahu's fractious coalition, Abbas legally shaky hold on power, not to mention serious internal disagreements) are significant.

That being said, the stars are aligned for a peace process, at least as much as they have for a long long time. America has a strong President with a wide mandate, who is both dedicated to a two state solution and shockingly even-handed in his approach. Israel's leader, though pretty far right, may have enough security credentials to make his negotiations legitimate in the eyes of the Israeli public, assuming he can moderate his views. Mahmoud Abbas is by far the most moderate Palestinian leader in history, and is working with Salaam Fayyad, a pragmatic and intelligent technocrat who the West trusts.

Say what you want about Operation Cast Lead, certainly it was terrible in terms of civilian Palestinian lives, but few Qassams are falling in the Negev and surrounding communities. Hamas is isolated in Gaza, and even battling with Al-Qaeda cells. Just as importantly, the PA seems to be succeeding in administering the West Bank. Israel is removing roadblocks, Fatah is providing security (and apparent detentions of Hamas members, but ces la vie) and the economy is improving. All in all, things are about as quiet in the region as they have been for a long time, and this bodes well for negotiations.

In this period following Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan, may all the people of the world send peaceful thoughts to the leaders assembling in New York today, as well as to the the people of the Palestinian Territories, Israel, and everywhere else on this beleaguered, but ever hopeful, planet.