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Appeasement?

"I call on the Palestinian people to elect new leaders, leaders not compromised by terror. I call upon them to build a practicing democracy, based on tolerance and liberty. If the Palestinian people actively pursue these goals, America and the world will actively support their efforts. If the Palestinian people meet these goals, they will be able to reach agreement with Israel and Egypt and Jordan on security and other arrangements for independence."

"Today, Palestinian authorities are encouraging, not opposing, terrorism. This is unacceptable. And the United States will not support the establishment of a Palestinian state until its leaders engage in a sustained fight against the terrorists and dismantle their infrastructure."

"I've said in the past that nations are either with us or against us in the war on terror. To be counted on the side of peace, nations must act. Every leader actually committed to peace will end incitement to violence in official media, and publicly denounce homicide bombings. Every nation actually committed to peace will stop the flow of money, equipment and recruits to terrorist groups seeking the destruction of Israel -- including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah. Every nation actually committed to peace must block the shipment of Iranian supplies to these groups, and oppose regimes that promote terror, like Iraq. And Syria must choose the right side in the war on terror by closing terrorist camps and expelling terrorist organizations.

"Leaders who want to be included in the peace process must show by their deeds an undivided support for peace. And as we move toward a peaceful solution, Arab states will be expected to build closer ties of diplomacy and commerce with Israel, leading to full normalization of relations between Israel and the entire Arab world."

This is not appeasement. This is something just this side of an ultimatum.

His words bring to mind a weak parent, once again scolding a rebellious toddler with words rather than action: "One more time, and I promise, you are gonna get spanked.....I really mean it this time."

The fact of the matter is, this "ultimatum" should have been given MONTHS ago. It is too late for words promising a vision of a Palestinian state to people who murder and slaughter innocents.

Here is my prediction. Within a few weeks, another crazed Muslim thug will blow himself up in another market or bus, and kill another bunch of Israeli kids. And once again, Bush and Powell will trot out a variation of the 'scolding' speech. "We really mean it this time...if the violence continues, no Palestinian state for you!"