By Andrew L. Jaffee

In February, I reported on USA TODAY’s headline article, “Arabs try outreach to Israel, U.S. Jews - Saudis, others seek to counter extremists,” and speculated, “What strange bedfellows realpolitik makes for. I’m not going to jump to any conclusions, as Jew-hatred has been inculcated into generations of Sunnis [the Saudi majority], but this info is food for thought.” To this thought, a reader commented, “The enemies of my enemies are my friends, Andrew.” Developments today show what interesting times we live in, as annotated below:

Immediately after the [new Hamas/Fatah coalition] government was formed, Israel ruled out peace talks with the Palestinians until Hamas explicitly recognizes the Jewish state. [As is only prudent.]

But on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he “wouldn’t hesitate” to take part in a regional summit. Palestinian officials cautiously endorsed the idea. [”Cautiously” = nervous, as this may be the first time Arab pressure may come to bare against Hamas.]

Any such meeting — especially if Saudi and Israeli officials were to publicly meet — would be a huge symbolic breakthrough. Saudis and Israelis are believed to have held private meetings in the last year. [I’d bet money the Saudis would rather be allied with a nuclear Israel than fight a nuclear Iran, majority Shiite.]

Hopes have been raised in the past, only to be subsequently dashed. [I’m not celebrating. Remember Oslo?]