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Source: http://www.hudsonny.org/2010/05/middle-east-proximity-talks-benefit-hamas-and-iran.php
"Proximity Talks" Benefit Hamas and Iran
(Hudson Institute New York) Khaled Abu Toameh - The Obama administration is making a mistake forcing Israel and the Palestinian Authority to discuss "core" issues such as Jerusalem, refugees, borders and settlements when the two sides are crying out that the gap between them on these explosive topics remains as wide as ever. The "proximity talks" will eventually undermine the moderates and boost the extremists among the Palestinians. The only ones who will benefit from this are Hamas and its friends in Tehran and Damascus. By insisting on putting the issues of Jerusalem and refugees on the table, the Obama administration is placing Israelis and Palestinians on a collision course. Achievements on the security and economic fronts seem to be at risk now that the "peace process" is being revived. Sooner or later, Israel and the Palestinians will be trading allegations over which party is to blame for the failure of the "proximity" talks. The higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment - especially among the Palestinians, who later vent out their anger and frustration against Israel.