Pushing For Peace

Israel & Palestinians Try Again!

Social Issues – Palestinian and Israeli negotiators are set to meet this week, ending a year long stand-still in peace negotiations.

Saeb Erekat of the Palestinian Authority and Yitzhak Molcho of Israel are to meet in Jordan along with representatives of the U.S., the EU, the UN, and RU(ssia). These four bodies comprise the Quartet on the Middle East, an initiative established to assist in the development of peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

The goal of the meeting is to establish the foundation of a peace-accord to be completed by the end of 2012 (right around the time the world is set to end, no less). It is not, however, the resumption of discussions. The last effort toward peace stopped in 2010, due to Israel’s refusal to allow the renewal of a partial freeze on Jewish settlement in the West Bank. Israeli settlements have been a large part of the conflict between Palestinians and Israel, as well as with Israel and other neighboring countries. The legality of these settlements has been subject of an ongoing debate, with Israel insisting it is right in its actions.

There’s no doubt that this meeting will go as well as these things always do, but as with all efforts at peace, it’s worth a try.

Read More at Yahoo.