There is no alternative to negotiations. Following the successful disengagement of Israel from Gaza, many wishful thinkers, even leftist peaceniks among them, would like to believe that Israel can continue on a course of unilateralism in reshaping its relationship with the Palestinians. Some Israeli leaders have come to the conclusion that there is still no one to talk to on the Palestinian side and that we will have to wait until the next generation comes to power.Prime Minister Sharon has apparently bought into the idea that there is still no need to talk with the Palestinians, staying away from any opportunity to talk with Palestinian Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. He has placed conditions on talking that make it nearly impossible to engage and thereby has enabled, once again, a situation whereby the spoilers - the opposition to peace - have the power to keep negotiations from getting back on track. From an objective point of view one could judge Abbas’s performance on fighting terrorism and easily declare, as Israeli spokesmen do daily, that he is not doing anything. On the other hand, the reality on the ground, albeit far from what is necessary, is one of reduced terrorism and aggression and almost a complete elimination of incitement and celebration of violence. From the point of view of declarations and intentions, there has never been a Palestinian leadership which has demonstrated more determination to reach a negotiated settlement with Israel.Excerpted from an article by Gershon Baskin, ‘The Jerusalem Post’, November 7
