FactWatch: Middle East
From the speech:
"We are also standing against the forces of extremism in the Holy Land, where we have new cause for hope. Palestinians have elected a president who recognizes that confronting terror is essential to achieving a state where his people can live in dignity and at peace with Israel. Israelis have leaders who recognize that a peaceful, democratic Palestinian state will be a source of lasting security. This month in Ramallah and Jerusalem, I assured leaders from both sides that America will do, and I will do, everything we can to help them achieve a peace agreement that defines a Palestinian state by the end of this year. The time has come for a Holy Land where a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine live side-by-side in peace."
Analysis:
In addition to the many troubling questions in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, a new one has emerged, one President Bush has not addressed. Hamas, which doesn't recognize Israel, controls Gaza, and in response to Hamas rocket attacks, Israel has tried to seal off the region. Now, the U.S. is hoping forces loyal to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas can help, but Abbas has little, if any, control over Gaza and his Security Forces are still weak. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said that there can be no peace without Gaza as part of the package.
- Michele Kelemen
9:52 PM ET | 01-28-2008 | permalink
