Sever Plocker makes flawed assumptions: (a) That Fatah and/or Abbas are 'better' for Israel, ideologically or otherwise. (b) That Israel was in position to persuade of influence Abbas toward positive action. (c) That the PA and/or Abbas were capable of any positive action. (d) That the situation is any worse after the Mecca 'deal'.

making him abu abu mazen ?

The winner in Iraq or Israel, Judea or Samaria will always be the gays with more guns and more brutal. If Israel signes an "agreement" with Abbas and he is less brutal and kills less Jews he himself will be killed at once.

that "palestinians" will not achieve statehood in the near future. Just goes to show once again that Arab countries couldn't care less for the "palestinians"; they just like to play with them as cats like playing with mice. No real love there. Well, we don't care much either, so what now? Back to war is it? Well we will continue to do what is good for us. As for the Saudi's new pals, they'd better get used to supporting the latter forever. Their support will only help relieve the West of their guilt trip. And of course if anyone thinks the "infighting" is over, don't hold you're breath. Good luck to everyone and fasten your seatbelts; we're in for a bumpy ride.

The US and Israeli position to isolate the PA, embargo all financial aid, and not recognize an elected government has been a complete disaster. This policy, also being used against Iran, just emboldens extremists since moderates are even allowed to negotiate and operate. The NeoCon hold on US and Israeli politics is bent on fomenting extremists rather than come to any lasting peace. If Olmert was serious about peace, I am sure Hamas would recognize Israel if Olmert recognized the "right of return", dismantled all settlements, and rebuilt the West Bank and Gaza infrastucture that Israel has destroyed. Sounds like a fair deal

but Al Abuk!!!!!!!!! :)

Another stupid USA State Department disaster. After USA ond Israel POUR arms and dollars to Fatah to fight Hamas , Hamas ends up with control and guess who is going to end up getting it in the neck? Israel deserves the trouble it is in: betraying it's South Lebanon allies, betraying it's loyal Gaza settlers, showing willingness to betray it's loyal Golan and West Bank settlers: all to please the "moderate arabs". ? What lunacy. Freedom has to be earned again and again. The Arabs have learned, on every issue the Jews will cave.

Twenty years ago, when Fatah and Jasser Arafat were the great bogeymen, Israel came up with the brilliant idea of bringing Hamas into Gaza. The idea was, of course, to divide the Palestinians and undermine Fatah. Like Dr. Frankenstein, the Israelis have discovered that "their" monster has gotten out of control. The day will come when they wish they were still dealing with a pragmatic and secular Arafat.

Unfortunately, Israelis must first realize that land theft is no longer an acceptable way of expanding one's turf.

Hamas was the big loser in Saudi Arabia. Now they must stand by their refusal to recognize Israel and denounce terrorism. No amount of doubletalk will enable them to get recognition from Israel without first abandoning the three no's

Sever Plocker once again hit the nail on the head. Rice effort on her last Arab tour is wasted and Hamas is now officially recognised by Arab nations and legitimate leaders of the Palestinian people. Hard work for the past year by Israel and US to force Hamas to resign has come to nothing. Now we can expect Hamas to return to violence. They have just received pat on the back by Saudi Arabia. Unless Olmert now moves fast to make some sort of deal with Hamas, Israel is history.