October 22, 2006

YOU KNOW THE MAP, SKIP TO THE END OF IT:

Egypt, Under Stress, Sees U.S. as Pain and Remedy (MICHAEL SLACKMAN, 10/22/06, NY times)

Faced with twin political threats — a rising Islamic movement at home and diminished influence throughout the region — Egypt is pressing the United States for an aggressive promotion of Palestinian statehood as a means of strengthening itself and other Arab governments allied with Washington, senior officials say.

Egyptian officials told Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on her recent visit here that the United States should move straight “to the endgame,” with a major policy initiative tackling the most contentious Palestinian issues: borders of a future state, the site of the capital, and the so-called right of return for Palestinian refugees.


If Egypt, Israel, the US, Britain, Canada, Australia and Japan recognize a state of Palestine then there is one--which should have been done years ago.

Posted by Orrin Judd at October 22, 2006 10:13 AM
Comments

I wonder why it wasn't done years ago... let me think back...

Israel, US, Britain, etc.: Hey, do you want your own state?
Palestinians: No. *attacks Israel, celebrates 9/11*
Israel, US, Britain, etc.: Okey-dokey, then.

...Oh, yeah.

Posted by: Just John at October 22, 2006 2:59 PM

Offering a state to the PLO is an unserious act. Just recognize it and force it on them.

Posted by: oj at October 22, 2006 7:17 PM

Of course Egypt is 'desperate' - they know that Iraq will settle out (either as one or three), and they know that Iran is much stronger than they are. Plus, if things collapse completely in Gaza, it won't be the Israeli border the refugees storm in their mad rush to safety.

Posted by: jim hamlen at October 22, 2006 9:09 PM
« OTHERWISE, DON'T PLAY: | Main | THERE IS NO M E IN U S : »