Just Another Blog
Thursday, April 11, 2002
 
Optimistic on Arafat

Former Middle East envoy, Dennis Ross is more optimistic about the ability of Arafat to wield influence over his minions than I (or any other blogger that I can think of). His commentary piece in the (again) LA Times is certainly based on a much more thorough understanding of the area's affairs than I possess. Mr. Ross appears willing to give Arafat the benefit of the doubt, but I think we have given him too many chances already.
But in the end, Arafat has to decide. He will try to up the ante, insisting there can be no cease-fire without a U.S. commitment to Israeli withdrawal to the 1967 borders. He will settle for less but also claim he can take only partial measures.

The secretary of State must echo the president: No more failed leadership and no acceptance of half measures.

If we succumb to the allure of half steps by Arafat now, any calm that results from Powell's trip will be very short-lived.