MidEast Report

STUMBLING BLINDLY, cont'd
More confusion from Bush on Israel-Palestine. In a joint statement today with Jordan's King Abdullah, Bush said:
"I support the plan announced by Prime Minister Sharon to withdraw settlements from Gaza and parts of the West Bank.

This bold plan can make a real contribution to peace, particularly if reform-minded Palestinians will step forward and lead toward the establishment of a peaceful Palestinian state.

As I have previously stated, all final status issues must be negotiated between the parties in accordance with U.N. Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, and the United States will not prejudice the outcome of those negotiations."

Bush still doesn't seem to understand that his support for Sharon's plan, which includes recognizing Israel's claim to large portions of the West Bank, is in direct contravention of UN 242. Somebody on his staff should really tell him this, because there's no way he can have this both ways.

King Abdullah:
"Jordan remains committed to a final and comprehensive permanent status agreement based on the foundations of the Madrid conference, the principles of land for peace, U.N. Security Council Resolutions 242, 338 and 1397, agreements reached by the parties, and the Arab initiative endorsed by the Beirut Arab League summit.

Jordan also believes all final status issues, including borders, refugees, Jerusalem and settlements, should be a matter for the parties to decide.

I am encouraged by what I've heard from you today, sir, that these issues are not to be prejudiced and should be mutually agreed by the parties."

It's good news that Bush seems to be backing away from his clearly counterproductive assurances to Sharon, and also that he's making moves to include the Palestinian Authority in negotiations, something that is long, long overdue. The only way that Palestinian terror will cease is when Palestinians see that moderation and negotiation are more productive than violence.

posted by Matt Duss @ 4:05 PM