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The Saudi Fig Leaf

[Jerusalem Post] Anshel Pfeffer - In the five years since the Saudi initiative first emerged, the Palestinians, backed by Arab leaders, have adamantly refused to back down from the demand for the "right of return" of Palestinian refugees. All Israeli governments continue to oppose any concession on the issue, reflecting the consensus that allowing the refugees back would amount to suicide of the Jewish state. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni told an Arab newspaper that parts of the Saudi initiative were acceptable, but not the "right of return." But can Israel pick and choose? Nobody really believes - including the Saudis - that there is a chance of reaching a comprehensive peace treaty on the basis of the Saudi initiative any time soon. The appearance of an ongoing diplomatic process gives the public a feeling that something's happening. Next time the EU envoys ask for more concessions to the Hamas-dominated PA, the Israeli government can point to the Saudi initiative. Most importantly, the Americans are all for it. The Saudi initiative will never hatch a realistic peace plan. But if talking about it is going to make Secretary of State Rice happy, the Israelis and Saudis will play along.
2007-03-13 01:00:00
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