Sharon, Bush, and Mazen: History in the Making (Again?) By Andrew L. Jaffee, 6/4/2003	Home   Search   Forum   Terms

This morning I caught the image of President Bush, Israeli Prime Minister Sharon, Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Mazen, and Jordan's King Abdullah all standing shoulder to shoulder. Sharon and Mazen actually shook hands. Both of them made significant promises in the speeches they read. God, I hope it goes well. Was there any sign that the struggle for Palestinian/Israeli peace will be different this time?

One important difference today: Yasser Arafat wasn't there. Arafat--one of the greatest of all terrorists, and the man that derailed the Oslo peace process--is fast on the road to irrelevancy. But was anything else different?

I wish I could say, "This time it is for real." But we'll have to wait and see. Although words are just words, and actions will prove the words right or wrong, here are some samples of what Sharon and Abu Mazen said today. I have emphasized certain phrases.

Abu Mazen promised:

The process is one of direct negotiations to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, resolve all the permanent status issues and end the occupation that began in 1967 under which Palestinians have suffered so much.

At the same time, we do not ignore the suffering of the Jews throughout history. It is time to bring all this suffering to an end.

Just as Israel must meet its responsibilities, we - the Palestinians - will fulfil our obligations for this endeavour to succeed.

Let me be clear. There is no military solution to our conflict. We repeat our denunciation and renunciation of terrorism and violence against Israelis wherever they might be.

Such methods are inconsistent with our religious and moral traditions and are a dangerous obstacle to the achievement of an independent, sovereign state.

Sharon proclaimed:

The government and people of Israel welcome the opportunity to renew direct negotiations according to the steps of the road map as adopted by the Israeli Government to achieve this vision.

It is in Israel's interest not to govern the Palestinians but for the Palestinians to govern themselves in their own state.

A democratic Palestinian state fully at peace with Israel will promote the long-term security and well-being of Israel as a Jewish state.

There can be no peace, however, without the abandonment and elimination of terrorism, violence, and incitement.

We will work alongside the Palestinians and other states to fight terrorism, violence and incitement of all kinds.

Ultimately, peace lies in two fundamental actions: 1) Israel must dismantle all settlements in the West Bank and Gaza (most Israelis recognize the right of Palestinians to a homeland, so this is not at issue); and 2) Palestinians must round up and eliminate all terrorists in their midst and finally accept Israel's right to exist.