Things Heat up in the Middle East

"Regarding the current situation with the Israel / PLO peace process, the Arab League made an announcement to back “indirect talks”. The talks will begin this week with the help of US Middle East envoy George Mitchell conducting shuttle diplomacy between Jerusalem and Ramallah. US Vice President Joe Biden is visiting Israel to help to restart negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that he not only wants to start a peace process but also to complete it. In order to gain Arab League support for “indirect talks”, the US sent a letter to the PLO that the US will assign blame if the “indirect talks” fail and take appropriate action. This “appropriate action” seems to be a threat to Israel that if talks fail that the US would recognize a PLO state through the United Nations. The US wants to see a PLO state based upon 1967 borders. With these assurances, the Arab League gave approval for the “indirect talks”. In anticipation of a peace agreement, the PLO have asked their “map experts” to be involved in the talks. The PLO and the Arab League is only proposing that the talks last no more than four months. President of Israel, Shimon Peres stated that he believes that Netanyahu is sincere in wanting a peace agreement with the PLO but is being hindered by the right wing of his government. In practical reality, if Netanyahu comes to an agreement to establish a PLO state and divide Jerusalem, he will need the support of the Kadima party to prevent the collapse of his government. Under this scenario, I believe that Kadima will support Netanyahu."

This is taken from Eddie Chumney's 5 Minute Update Blog found at www.watchmanofzion.com. To read more, please visit that site!