[fogarty]

"I've asked Secretary Powell to work intensively with Middle Eastern and international leaders to realize the vision of a Palestinian state, focusing them on a comprehensive plan to support Palestinian reform and institution-building. "

It appears very clear to me that Powell's appeasement of Arafat and coddling of the terrorists is coming from none other than Bush himself.

[berned]

IMO there will never be a Palestinian state in the West Bank. I believe Israel will regather the entire West Bank under it's authority. Something will always happen at the last moment to derail any stable settlement no matter how hard anyone tries.

I hope Bush is just going through the motions with a speech like this, that he knows it needs saying for political consumption, but that he knows the real score on this issue.

Although I can forsee some scenarios where there COULD be a Palistine in the WB, ultimately, the WB belongs to Israel and they will either keep it now, or re-take it later. In any event, the Temple WILL be rebuilt on the Temple Mount.

[hawaiian]

It appears very clear to me that Powell's appeasement of Arafat and coddling of the terrorists is coming from none other than Bush himself.

What are you TALKING about? This speech shows the opposite? Were you listening?

[EternalHope]

It appears very clear to me that Powell's appeasement of Arafat and coddling of the terrorists is coming from none other than Bush himself.

Yesterday, like most Freepers, I would have thought a Powell trip to the Middle East to discuss a Palestinian state would mean talking to Arafat.

Today, it is entirely different. President Bush unmistakably called for replacement of the entire existing Palestinian leadership. That means President Bush just said Arafat has to go. Powell is NOT on his way to negotiate with Arafat.

Arafat will not go willingly.

It's time to connect the dots. Dot #1: President Bush says Arafat must go. Dot #2: Arafat won't go willingly.

I connect the dots this way: "The fit is about hit the shan." (Or words to that effect...).

Not surprisingly, the Arabs do too. Their cries of outrage have already started. Tomorrow will be very interesting.