Dennis Ross (Arab-Israeli mediator) on Fox News Sunday (interviewed on Taba peace plan)

Fox News ^ | Sunday, April 22, 2002 | Brit Hume & Fred Barnes

[Gladwin]

BRIT HUME, FOX NEWS: Former Middle East envoy Dennis Ross has worked to achieve Middle East peace throughout President Clinton's final days in office. In the months following Clinton's failed peace summit at Camp David, U.S. negotiators continued behind-the-scenes peace talks with the Palestinians and Israelis up until January 2001, and that followed Clinton's presentation of ideas at the end of December 2000.

[Gladwin]

An interesting interview on Fox News today. I didn't see this transcript posted anywhere else on Free Republic, but I have been having trouble when I search for things. So, if this is a double post, I apologize in advance.

[Cold Heat]

Not sure what to make of Ross. When the stuff got stirred up he initially was doing a little jabbing at the Bush Admin. He has now changed to being pretty supportive.

The answer is likely that the Admins. policies were not as clear in the beginning and Arafat has been brought down a few pegs. He appears to know his stuff.

[Gladwin]

I'm not at all sure what the Bush administration could have done differently. Once Sharon is in office and Arafat decides to use violence, the future is set in stone.

As far as Ross goes, the story he tells is convincing to me. Still, I wonder if there is anything there that is calculated to make Clinton and Ross look better.

[Cold Heat]

ROSS: Because fundamentally I do not believe he can end the conflict. We had one critical clause in this agreement, and that clause was, this is the end of the conflict.

This comment is priceless!

[Cold Heat]

Still, I wonder if there is anything there that is calculated to make Clinton and Ross look better

My thoughts too, but Ross does seem genuine. He has ticked me off a time or two, but who has not. He does not act like a apologist, if he is.

[Gladwin]

This comment is priceless!

What is odd to me is that the Palestinians would have had a pretty good position if they had accepted the agreement. 10 or 20 years down the road, they won't be in any better position. The only thing is I can figure is that they really do want to destroy Israel.

[Gladwin]

Pinging you for this article

[Cold Heat]

Arafat does! That is for sure.

[Gladwin]

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