1. hiddennook said:

That is what I have been saying all along. Abbas is like Arafat except without the uglyness. If you are expecting real reform wait about ten years...by then the Palestinians (including terrorists) will be sick of him and a real leader who can "potentially" make peace will step forward. Alas...here we go again for another round!

PS

I didn't notice a syndication link on your site. It would make it more "readable" as that is how I usually get my news on what is happening around the blogosphere. Just a suggestion. Selah!

2. BobW said:

What "trap" was involved in GOI agreeing to a new Arab state? Was there any issue as to PLO doctrine as expressed and exercised over the years? Any question on the PLO leadership in re their experience record? Are the PLO's allies hidden from view?

What currently existing Arab state approximates an Atlantic Alliance type of democratic nation? No traps nor surprises are involved.

The back channel deal is probably the continued US support for Israel's ruling class on the explicit condition of helping to develop a new Arab state with a shared Jerusalem.

I found nothing disturbing about news concerning election payoffs.

This is one time I hold to different reactions than Morton Klein. Nothing disturbed me about Abbas' campaign statements. Avoid focusing on Seville Row suits and a clear picture of another Arab terrorist is on display. The early Soviet commissars upgraded appearances also.

I do not believe "Most people were fooled by Arafat and Oslo." (Previous press release)Israel does not have a representative government. There was no need for citizens to exert funds and energy. In the States, the PLO is generally viewed as an enemy of the US.

ZOA is now, in practical terms, ONLY Morton Klein. ZOA, notwithstanding the superb work of Klein, is a vestage of an earlier era. It is now obsolete. The old ZOA's Louis Brandeis, with his concepts of "social justice" are not too fashionable now. Judicial activism is identified with Brandeis. This identification dillutes efforts to save Jewish Israel.

Kol tuv,
BobW

3. nikita said:

OT

In case you missed it, this was in today's Daily Alert:

Arab Population in the West Bank and Gaza: The Million-and-a-Half Person Gap
(pademographics.com)

A team of American and Israeli researchers report that the 2004 Palestinian-Arab population was closer to 2.4 million than the 3.8 million reported by the PA.
The million-and-a-half person gap occurred because the PA numbers are based on Palestine Bureau of Statistics (PBS) 1997 projections, not on actual population counts.
When the research team reviewed PA Ministry of Health birth data and actual border entry/exit data, they found "dramatically fewer births and lower fertility rates, and instead of immigration, the territories experienced a steady net emigration," reported project leader Bennett Zimmerman.
"The PA's Central Election Commission acknowledged that 200,000 Palestinians were living abroad and that the number of eligible voters living in the territories was only 1.3 million. This figure confirmed our lowest population calculations," explained historian Roberta Seid.
See Full Report.

4. BobW said:

Shalom Nikita,

Of course we're dealing with a distinction without a difference.

A new Arab nation is in formation regardless of demographics. From what I understand the new state will be autonomous until terrorism is stiffled. Then PM Sharon will allow for sovereignty.

I believe PM Sharon cannot control the time line for sovereignty.

Kol tuv,
BobW