Bush for change

The problem with the Bush initiative is that it demands a great deal from the Palestinians without going beyond merely the hope of a provisional government at a future date with limited sovereignty. There is no clear time table, and major reforms that are sought would obviously take time. The US also fully knows that reversing terrorism and its wherewithal would remain a long-drawn-out process. Meanwhile, violence levels would tend to keep derailing peace prospects, as has happened earlier. The idea of a planned international peace conference appears to have been jettisoned. Under the new Bush initiative, Israel is to withdraw its forces from Palestinian territories to positions as on September 28, 2000. Full vacation from the occupied territories would remain in the distant future subject to bilateral negotiations.

The initial reaction of US allies, especially in the UK and France, has been one of dismay, essentially on the grounds that it would be counterproductive. Tony Blair8217;s government has rejected US demands that the Palestinian leader step down. UN secretary general has also lent his weight against the idea of replacing Arafat, arguing that elections could throw up a more radical leader. However, the greatest benefit that might emerge from the Bush initiative is the renewed US engagement in the region. The Middle East has suffered too long and too much over the decades. The world would support President Bush in his vision for peace as long as it is combined with justice.