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October 27, 2000 Mideast Peace: 'A Return To The Climate Just Before The 1967 War?'

After three weeks of unabated Israeli-Palestinian violence, media worldwide again sounded the alarm that the peace process has now become "a war process" and wondered whether anyone, including the president of the United States can find a common ground between the belligerents. Consequently, President Clinton's plan to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Barak and Palestinian leader Arafat separately in Washington in a search to end the violence and set the region on a course toward peace was seen as "admirable," but nevertheless failing to take into account the depth of animosity that is sweeping the region. "It bodes ill for the region's prospects that he can be so out of touch with reality," a Saudi paper assessed. Some in Europe, noting growing Israeli sentiment in favor of "separation" from the occupied territories, concluded that Israel has reached "a turning point" in which its focus has shifted from the pursuit of peace to the exclusive campaign to protect its national security. On the Palestinian side of the ledger, writers in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa judged that the Palestinians' path of violence is leading them ever further from the independence which they crave. In this context, many saw the issue of Palestinian statehood becoming more urgent on the peace process timetable--even ahead of the deal-make-or-break issue of Jerusalem. London's independent Economist called on Israel to "advance negotiations" by "taking unilateral action" based on the Camp David agreements and withdraw from at least 90 percent of the West Bank. These were additional themes:

INTIFADA FACTOR: Many in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America concluded that the longer the intifada lasts, the more likely it is to align with violent extremists advocating "jihad" against Israel and the West. For its part, the Arab media lambasted the Arab League summit's outcome for being out of step with the Arab street and insisted that public pressure to censure Israel diplomatically and economically will not let up until there is "a Palestinian state with Al Quds as its capital."

THUMBS DOWN ON SHARON: While the likelihood of an Israeli emergency coalition government including Likud opposition leader Ariel Sharon is increasingly remote, the prospect drew universal condemnation in the Arab press and cirumspection in Israel's left-leaning and mainstream press. A leftist writer opined in Tel Aviv's popular, pluralist Maariv: "What [Barak and Sharon] have in mind for the new government is a war to the bitter end with the Palestinians, nothing more." Amman's center-left, influential Al-Dustur maintained that "the two generals, Barak and Sharon...would destroy what is left of the peace process."

EUROPE ON THE SIDELINES: Noting growing Palestinian and Arab disenchantment with the U.S. role as peace broker, commentators in Moscow, Paris, and Berlin and wondered what their countries should--or could--do to influence events. While most expressed ambivalence about their nations' taking a more active role, some Russian dailies envisioned the possibility of Moscow becoming "a guarantor of peace in the Middle East."

EDITOR: Gail Hamer Burke

EDITOR'S NOTE: This survey is based on 76 reports from 42 countries, October 19 - 27. Editorial excerpts are grouped by region; editorials from each country are listed from the most recent date.

MIDDLE EAST

ISRAEL: "Clinton Proposes Deal For Small Palestinian State"

Diplomatic correspondent Shimon Shiffer, defense correspondent Alex Fishman, and regional correspondent Ronni Shaked wrote in mass-circulation, pluralist Yediot Aharonot (10/27): "U.S. President Bill Clinton plans to propose to Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat a plan centering on an agreed-upon declaration of a 'small' Palestinian state within the Palestinian Authority's present boundaries. According to the plan, the sides would also agree on a mechanism for continued negotiations after the statehood declaration, with the objective of reaching a final status agreement. American sources said Clinton plans to raise his plan in separate meetings in Washington.... Diplomatic sources said that Clinton is expected, in the meetings, to present the sides with a first American draft of a final status agreement."

"Barak And Israel's Partner"

Editor Gonen Ginat wrote in nationalist Hatzofe (10/27): "If Israel has no partner and the IDF says that Israel should be prepared for a protracted war, why is Prime Minister Barak, who is so interested--and rightly so--in [national] unity at this time of emergency, insisting upon the resumption of the diplomatic process?... The Palestinians proclaim daily that a war is on, and you, dear prime minister, are announcing that there will be no national unity without the continuation of the Camp David process. Could you tell us whether we are living in the same country?"

"Sharon Now!"

Sharon confidant Uri Dan wrote in popular, pluralist Maariv and independent Jerusalem Post (10/26): "Arafat will continue the war as part of his strategy to destroy the Jewish-Zionist state, while dragging the Arab countries into war. Most Israeli Jews now understand this and they, like Barak, wish to see my dear friend Sharon and the Likud in an emergency government. They know that there is a difference between a war without Sharon in the government, and one with Sharon alongside Barak. In the latter case there is still a chance that the Barak-Sharon leadership would minimize the risk of all-out war, significantly shorten the war of attrition...and pave the way for a sound peace plan."

"The Peace Camp Must Stop Barak"

Independent Ha'aretz editorialized (10/25): "Barak is trying to persuade his colleagues in the One Israel faction, as well as the public, that bringing the Likud under Sharon into the government does not contradict the government's commitment to the peace process. The prime minister is throwing sand in the public's eyes.... The talks being held with a figure like Sharon, whose foreign policy views are well known, are liable to drag Israel into an extraordinarily dangerous diplomatic and security adventure.... The camp that backs the peace process, its current distress notwithstanding, is now facing the test of its many voters who long for moderation and balanced judgment.... Their role at this time is not to permit Barak to make a fatal mistake that will eliminate the few prospects that still remain for the peace process."

"Avoid A Fatal Mistake"

Independent Ha'aretz editorialized (10/24): "Ehud Barak's threat to join forces with the Right, headed by Ariel Sharon, is apparently being realized.... As long as this threat was perceived by many...as a tactical maneuver designed to prod the international community and moderate Arab countries into restraining Arafat, it may have been possible to sit and say nothing. But now, before the deed is done, it is imperative to warn the prime minister against making a fatal mistake--one that could sound the death knell for any remaining hope of reviving the peace process, vilify Israel in the eyes of the world and, in the final reckoning, ruin his own political career.... If Barak goes ahead with this plan, this newspaper can only conclude that his mission is over."

"A War Of Two Generals"

Leftist writer Haim Hanegbi wrote in popular, pluralist Maariv (10/24): "What Barak and Sharon have in mind for the new government is a war to the bitter end with the Palestinians, nothing more.... They will make war--in the name of the settlements, for the sake of the settlements.... Barak announced a 'time out' and 'separation.'... Israel will not seek any more agreements with the Palestinians but impose on them an annexation of territories according to Israel's will."

WEST BANK: "After The Summit?"

Sameih Shubaeib opined in independent, pro-Palestinian Authority Al-Ayyam (10/23): "It is natural that the next American president will begin to deal with the hot issue of the peace process from the first document the issue ended with. Thus, it is impossible to pass over the Jerusalem issue in any future settlement. The next American president will find that what hinders the peace process in the Middle East is political confusion in Israel, even within the government, and the absence of a decision-making center capable of achieving a just and balanced peace. This absence of peace threatens to have dangerous consequences for the Middle East."

"Summit Of The Minimum"

Ahmad Majdalani opined in independent, pro-Palestinian Authority Al-Ayyam (10/25): "The United States cannot be dealt with anymore as the sponsor of the peace process. Arabs should have adopted political and economic measures that make the United States understand that there is a price for its biased policy towards Israel that the United States must pay and that its sole sponsorship for the peace process must not continue."

"The Arab Summit: Present Verbs And Anonymous Subject"

Rajab Abu Sareih opined in independent, pro-Palestinian Authority Al-Ayyam (10/25): "At Camp David, an Israeli-American alliance was established that has as a premise the erroneous idea that President Arafat's status among the Palestinians and the Arabs enables him to sign an agreement that would ignore Palestinian principles and real Palestinian sovereignty over the Holy City. Furthermore, Palestinian opposition at Camp David was falsely interpreted as a negotiation tactic and that the continuation of the pressure after the summit would be enough to push the Palestinian side into accepting the Israeli proposal as being an American proposal."

EGYPT: "Washington's Difficult Position"

An unsigned editorial in pro-government Al Ahram observed (10/26): "The United States has recently placed its troops in the Gulf and Turkey in a high state of alert for probable attacks...over the tension in the Middle East. The United States' suffering of revenge and attacks on its interests in the region is a natural result of blind American bias in favor of the

Hebrew state and its failure to take any critical position against Israel's antagonistic policies. The United States is paying today, and maybe more tomorrow, the price of that bias and insistence on not understanding the Palestinian and Arab views based on international legitimacy. Washington is in a difficult position today. It has to choose between siding with rights and, thus, protecting its interests and relations in the Middle East and continuing to support Israeli aggression and coercion, with all the implied threats to its interests and relations."

"Is The Peace Process Ended? The Answer Is No"

Hazem Abdel Rahman contended in pro-government Al Ahram (10/25): "Has Palestinian-Israeli co-existence ended? Is the peace process dead? The answer is No.... If Barak succeeds in his talks with Sharon on a national emergency government, this does not mean the death of peace. The reality in Gaza and the West Bank cannot continue forever. Palestinians will not accept it and they are pressuring to change it. A strong Sharon may be better than weak Barak concerning the peace process."

"Return To Climate Before 1967 War?"

Columnist Gamal Zayda stated in pro-government Al Ahram (10/22): "Israel created heated circumstances, made flagrant threats of using force, issued provocative statements, and exerted direct pressure on Arab leaders before their summit in Cairo.... The Israeli military commanders created heated circumstances by killing more martyrs in the intifada, and flagrant threats were issued by the Israeli defense minister to CNN.... The heated climate was fuelled by the Qatar Jazeera channel by the question, 'What can Arab leaders do in their summit?' and 'is an Arab boycott of Israel enough?'... This climate reminds us of the period before June 1967.... We believe the 2000 situation is different, however.... We believe the way out of the current impasse is by depending on the Palestinian people showing more opposition to occupation, rejection of Israeli repression, escalating struggle against the Israeli enemy by resorting to operations similar to Hizbullah, and exposing Israel's disrespect of all the values adopted by the West. Arabs should refuse to be dragged into war once again and should broadly support the Palestinian intifada and the return to the negotiating table. God help Arab leaders who are under the pressure of their angry nations."

JORDAN: "Going Back To The Framework Of Previous Accords Is Impossible"

Center-left, influential Al-Dustur held (10/26): "The ongoing intifada proved that the signed accords, which has governed the negotiations over the past seven years, including the Oslo accord, are no longer viable for continuing and completing the peace process on the Palestinian track.... The negotiations...lacked an honest international referee when the United States showed excessive bias in favor of the Israeli viewpoint. It is necessary to call for new methods, other than the Oslo accord, to complete the impeded negotiations. It is also necessary for these negotiations to have an international reference and a legal basis, such as UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.... Action should be taken to bring in new international forces that are more inclined to be just, understanding and neutral, such as the European Union and Russia.... None of this means walking away from or abandoning the peace process. The option to abandon the process would be an option to go back to war and death, and these are matters only the extremists would want."

"What More Do We Need Than These Crimes"

Bater Mohammad Ali Wardam wrote on the op-ed page of center-left, influential Arabic Al-Dustur (10/26): "Many people talk about American pressures on the Arab countries. But we wonder if there were no American pressures, would the Arab governments, who have signed treaties with Israel, sever their ties with Israel? It is important to tell the 'honest broker' the fact that this widening gap between the Arab governments and their people is very dangerous to the domestic stability of each country. It is important to adopt decisive measures against Israel to at least appease the anger of the people.... It is only natural for Israel to declare war and to exercise the maximum amount of oppression and for the United States to remain biased so long as the Arabs fail to react decisively."

"The Government Of War And Emergency"

Center-left, influential Al-Dustur editorialized (10/25): "Consultations continue between the two generals, Barak and Sharon, to form an emergency government that would destroy what is left of the peace process.... It is sad that when this wind of extremism, racism and escalation is sweeping Israel, Washington continues to work hard to cover up for its strategic ally. It does that not only through political and financial support of the Hebrew state but also through an exercise of pressure against the Arabs and the Palestinians."

KUWAIT: "Where Is America's Credibility?"

Member of the Islamic Constitutional Movement Adel Al-Qassar asserted in independent Al-Qabas (10/24): "Ever since America's emergence as a superpower, it has been igniting wars around the world.... The Islamic world bleeds as America looks on as a bystander. Furthermore, it supports the aggressors in shedding more Arab and Muslim blood. How then can we understand America's credibility? America understands nothing but its own interest."

LEBANON: "Illogical American Characterization Of Arab Summit Resolutions"

An editorial by Fouad Matar in mainstream Sunni Al-Liwa' held (10/26): "The American administration's characterization of the Arab summit resolutions as harsh and unhelpful is a new indication of the blind American bias towards Israel. Arab leaders had exerted great efforts to come up with a balanced final statement.... Nonetheless, we find the White House showing its resentment, instead of being encouraged by the Arab position, adopting a new style in dealing with Israel.... When we look at the size of commitments the American presidential candidates...offered...regarding moving the embassy...the fever of bids to support Israel in the senate...and Hillary Clinton's obsessions...we can only say that the American administration is merely a moon revolving around the Zionist planet."

SYRIA: "Israel At War Again"

Fouad Mardoud, chief editor of government-owned Syria Times, commented (10/24): "General Barak is preparing the ground for another show of force, killing and destruction. Even the Sharm Al-Sheikh decisions have become history. The continuing Palestinian intifada has greatly changed the mood in the Middle East and turned the table upside down. If tension continues...Arab leaders will be forced to put Cairo summit resolutions into immediate practice. Stronger words against Israel will be forthcoming and more resolutions will possibly be adopted. The United States will be the target of more verbal attacks and condemnations, especially if it continues to back Israel. Its [U.S.] standing in the region will be hurt."

"Region Approaches Explosion"

Dr. Turki Saqr, chief editor of government-owned Al-Ba'th, editorialized (10/26): "The huge support that Israel is getting from the U.S. administration, so that it may stain its hands with Palestinian blood, raises suspicion and makes the United States equally responsible for aggravating tensions in the region."

ALGERIA: "Barak Has Chosen His Side"

Official, French-language El Moudjahid held (10/25): "By giving the green light to its army to use all the means of repression to break the intifada, General Barak has chosen his side. The side of war."

BAHRAIN: "Shame On America"

Semi-independent Akhbar Al-Khalij front-paged this editorial by Chief Editor Anwar Abdulrahman (10/23): "America is the world's superpower and which never stops giving the world lessons in democracy and human rights and considers itself the world's self-styled policeman, but none of its officials dared to say a single word of condemnation to the Israelis about their barbaric actions. The truth is America encourages those barbarians and the Israeli death squads to continue the killing of innocent and unarmed Palestinian children. America's position brings shame on humanity and everything the Statue of Liberty represents."

"What Are The Palestinian Arab Brothers Doing To Help Them?"

Semi-independent Akhbar Al-Khalij published this view by Ali Sayyar (10/23): "Under pressure from the Palestinian uprising and the Arab street, Tunis and Morocco yesterday closed the Israeli offices in their countries and their offices in Tel Aviv. This might be a good start but the question is--should we be satisfied with this? The Palestinian people are killed and their houses and factories are destroyed by Israeli tanks and helicopters. Why don't the world's countries do something to stop this genocide committed against the Palestinians? But why should they if the Palestinian brothers are not doing something to stop it?"

MOROCCO: "No Double Standards Policy For Us"

A front-page editorial in government-coalition Al Ittihad Al Ishtiraki said (10/26): "Morocco's decision to close down the Israeli liaison office in both Rabat and Tel Aviv reflects Morocco's sincere nationalistic commitments towards the Palestinian cause in particular and all other Arab and Islamic causes.... With Ehud Barak's freezing and stalemating the peace process, Morocco cannot practice a double standard policy.... We have formally stated that any relation with Israel will depend on progress in the peace process and its results, that is to say the establishment of a Palestinian state with Al Quds as its capital."

"Time Out, Everything Has Fallen Apart"

Medi-1, a semi-independent radio station, told listeners (10/23): "Time out for peace. Everything has fallen apart.... The intifada...will not stop.... Barak, in any case, has prepared an opening for Sharon to jump on board. The future is gloomy and both Israeli and U.S. interests could be threatened all over the world."

SAUDI ARABIA: "Out Of Touch"

Commenting on President Clinton's offer to Arafat and Barak to meet him separately in Washington, the Jeddah-based, English-language paper Arab News maintained (10/26): "Should one laugh or cry? There is not the faintest hope of reviving the peace process at present. There is an unbridgeable chasm between the two sides as to what is an acceptable outcome.... Not until there is a stable government in Israel, which can carry out what it promises, is there any point in reactivating negotiations.... The kindest thing that can be said is that Clinton's wish to pull a rabbit out of the Middle East hat and go down in history as the man who brought peace to the region has evidently got the better of him. It bodes ill for the region's prospects that he can be so out of touch with reality."

"U.S. Diplomacy Of Window Dressing"

London-based, internationally-circulated Al-Sharq Al-Awsat held (10/26): "Perhaps it is necessary for the United States to understand that it has no interest in linking itself at present to policies, actions, and political figures which may suddenly become useless in the new context of the Arab-Israeli conflict.... Therefore any U.S. attempt to conduct a diplomacy of window dressing can only damage the position of the United States as a possible future mediator between the two sides."

"Arabs Not Ready For Jihad"

Managing editor Jaser Al-Jaser held in Riyadh-based Al-Jazira (10/23): "The Arab crowd that protested in the streets and expressed its anger over Israeli massacres was wise and rational because it was fully aware that the entire (Arab) nation is not prepared to take maximum or escalating resolutions. Such resolutions mean a declaration of Jihad. Jihad means many things. Firstly, it means that the nation must be absolutely faithful that Jihad means a road to paradise (self-sacrifice) or to die-hard to achieve victory. Present-day Arabs, however, want to gain paradise without offering or sacrificing their lives.... The one who does not want to sacrifice his life and aspires to lead an easy life ought to accept minimum resolutions. Thanks to the Almighty that the Arab leaders endorsed and approved the Saudi initiative to appropriate $1 billion for the Palestinian intifada."

TUNISIA: "Who Encourages Violence And Feeds Animosity?"

An editorial by Editor-in-Chief Mustapha Khammari in independent, French-language Le Temps held (10/27): "What the American Congress and the Israeli government want is to stop the intifada.... For them, this means that Israel should be allowed to act freely...and Palestinians should remain in their homes and accept a 'fait accompli.'... If the Congress and the American president want to do something constructive, they should condemn the Israeli government...for its organized, intentional killing of Palestinian children, for cutting off the peace process, and for fueling animosity!"

"Chimera"

Editor-in-Chief Noureddine Achour wrote in independent, Arabic-language As-Sabah (10/26): "Since the beginning of the intifada, the American administration has tried to disrupt it by adopting positions that favor Israel.... The U.S. presidential election has made Washington think with the same peculiar logic that Israel uses.... It is a logic that centers around the belief that the Palestinians are the cause of everything bad that happens.... The American administration's refusal to look at the situation objectively and make decisions that are fair and courageous is frustrating to Palestinians.... Arab frustration is particularly strong because the United States is supposed to be the sponsor of the MEPP!"

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: "Israel Preparing For War"

Dubai-based, business-oriented Al-Bayan (10/24) alleged that Israel is preparing for a sixth war and that "signals of this include suspension of talks with the Palestinians, escalation of its confrontation with the Palestinians, burial of the Sharm Al-Sheikh agreement, closure of Gaza Airport, siege of the Palestinians' towns, and preparations for a coalition government with the butcher of Sabra and Shatila, Ariel Sharon."

"Arab Street: Boycott American Goods"

Ali Al-Amoudi wrote in Abu Dhabi-based, semi-official Al-Ittihad (10/22): "We continue to monitor the spontaneous Arab reaction to boycott American goods in response to the blind and

unlimited American support for the Zionist aggressor. One reader asked me to liberate the future (generation) from colonialism...by tyrant personalities such as the Barbie Doll and Pokemon.... Another reader explained that he was not aware of the siege of American goods imposed on us until he and his family decided to carry out the boycott themselves. He spent many hours looking for goods that are not labeled 'made in USA.' This attempt has revealed how much we are besieged from inside, and the big lesson Palestinian children have given us was that it is high time to break this. We want to laud our citizens who have promoted in the cooperative societies this popular boycott which preceded official positions."

YEMEN: "Arab Summit Had Some Fruitful Outcome"

Semi-official Al-Thawra held (10/23): "Contrary to what could be seen by some observers, the [Arab League] summit resulted in a number of fruitful outcomes, perhaps in its confirmation regarding the importance of solidarity and the preservation of the nation's principles countering Israeli arrogance and the threats that face the peace process."

"Arabs Public Opinion United That Negotiations Are A Waste Of Time"

Semi-official Al-Thawra said (10/22): "With full clarity, the masses in Sana'a, like in other capitals and Arab towns from the Ocean to the Gulf, have confirmed that more silence and surrender are no longer accepted.... Everyone suffered the utmost disgrace and tasted the bitterness of defeat from painful military air attack when the Zionist entity frightened the citizens in Palestine, Lebanon and other Arab territories with such boasting arrogance which the history has never witnessed. And this is the Arab public opinion from the ocean to the Gulf agree as never before that the option which the Arabs accepted to put an end to the conflict with Israel through peaceful negotiations is merely a mirage from which the Arabs can harvest nothing but wasting time and losing their legitimate rights."

EUROPE

RUSSIA: "Arlecchino's Choice"

Centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta published this comment by Marianna Belenkaya and Dmitry Kosyrev (10/26): "Russia's Mideast dilemma is akin to Arlecchino's choice in Carlo Gozzi's book. Asked whether he wanted to be hanged or quartered, Arlecchino chose pea soup. Russia did about the same when, in post-Soviet times, it changed from supporting exclusively the Arabs to 'equidistancing itself' from both the Israelis and Palestinians. In fact, Russia's 'equidistancing' is comparable to the policies of most of the world, save the Muslims and the United States."

"Israel Needs Peace More...."

Vladimir Dunayev noted in reformist Izvestiya (10/26): "Not everyone in the Duma considers the Arabs a victim. A member of the Duma's foreign relations committee, Oleg Naumov, says that 'Israel needs peace more, so it does not necessarily have to be forced into talks.' And he added that Russian diplomacy has only just abandoned the fallacious policy of sympathizing with the Arabs alone. 'Once Moscow takes a really neutral stand it will become a guarantor of peace in the Middle East.'"

"U.S. Approach Doesn't Work"

Reformist, business-oriented Kommersant front-paged comment by Leonid Gankin and Aleksandr Reutov (10/24): "With the Sharm Al-Sheikh accord falling through and Israel taking a 'time out,' it is clear now that the American model of a Middle East settlement does not work. Clinton went overboard, forcing the Israelis and Palestinians to do too much too early. The

talks stalled. Unable to break the deadlock, the sides resorted to violence. As a result, the peace process has been thrown back years.... Moscow suggests that Russia, the EU and possibly other countries should join in along with the United States as co-sponsors to play a more active role."

BRITAIN: "After Peace Has Crashed"

The independent weekly Economist opined (10/27): "The choice, now, is between bad and very bad. As low-intensity warfare thunders on, Israel's prime minister was merely confirming the self-evident when he declared the peace process suspended. The prospects are bleak; the Israeli army says it is ready for a long haul. But if Mr. Barak carries through with his plan to bring Ariel Sharon into an 'emergency' government, Israel and its neighbors could find themselves spiralling backwards into an ugliness from which retrieval would be even harder and longer.... Does this matter if peacekeeping is anyhow on hold? Yes, because of the way Israeli minds are currently turning. Faced with Palestinian turbulence, Israelis, from Mr. Barak down, are talking longingly of 'separation' from the awkward ingrates on the other side of the line. There is an alternative, though not one that Mr. Sharon would countenance. Some senior Israelis have been suggesting a form of separation that might in the end advance negotiation, rather than stymie it. This would depend on Israel taking unilateral action based on the agreements reached at Camp David. Israel would withdraw from at least 90 percent of the West Bank, disbanding some remote settlements, consolidating and annexing others. The separation would be more complete, and the dividing line shorter and safer. It would still cost Palestinians their jobs, but Mr. Arafat would be in control of a not-ridiculous slab of territory, and able, once tempers calmed, to embark on state-to-state talks on the remaining issues, including Jerusalem.... With passion and prejudice the ruling emotions nowadays, an approach of this kind is unlikely to get much of a hearing from either side. But with Mr. Sharon inside the government, its chances would be nil."

"Standing Up For Peace"

The liberal Guardian said in its lead editorial (10/24): "Ehud Barak would rather save his own skin than pursue 'the peace of the brave.'... That is the distasteful conclusion that must be drawn from his decision to invite the hawkish Likud leader, Ariel Sharon, to join a national emergency government. Mr. Barak appears to have little choice but to seek new parliamentary allies. But the price is too high--and there is another, more honest way.... Rather than duck, Mr. Barak should stand and fight. Rather than cut shabby deals, he should tell Mr. Sharon and the likes of Binjamin Netanyahu to get lost. If Knesset support cannot be found elsewhere, he should himself call a general election.... Given the current mood, it is a gamble Mr. Barak might easily lose. But somebody must show leadership and vision...and it will not be Mr. Arafat or right-wing Israeli has-beens."

"Arafat's Road To Nowhere"

The conservative Daily Telegraph editorialized (10/24): "The Palestinians may feel that they are winning the propaganda war against the Israelis, but the path of violence is leading them ever further from the independence which they crave.... In the summer at Camp David, the Palestinians could have struck a deal with a boldly dovish Israeli prime minister. Once again, they threw away an historic opportunity for peace. The result has been many needless deaths and further frustration of their goal of statehood."

FRANCE: "A Discreet Pro-Arab Choice"

Former French Ambassador to Israel Alain Pierret commented in left-of-center Liberation (10/26): "France, which has been left on the sidelines of the peace process negotiations would do better to abandon its so-called neutrality and recognize its pro-Arab stance.... France will

always remain on the sidelines. It would be more honest to admit it has taken sides. Let's put an end to the hypocrisy and the lies that have for so long guided our Middle Eastern policy.... Or could it be that Chirac's moves are being dictated by electoral considerations?"

"Those Settlements Which Have Caused So Much Trouble"

Jean Daniel opined in left-of-center weekly Le Nouvel Observateur (10/26): "It is essential to put pressure on Israel so that it can evacuate the largest number of settlements. From the start, this has been the poison, the cancer: a sort of planned and permanent provocation which stands as a denial of Israel's proposals for peace.... It is important today for those Americans, those European and those Arabs who have shown moderation, to prove to Israel that only the evacuation of the settlements will carry weight as a symbol (for peace) and end Israel's isolation while protecting its interests."

GERMANY: "Us As MEPP Mediator: Absurd"

Centrist General-Anzeiger of Bonn asserted (10/26): "Even though it may be honorable for Germany's diplomacy, the idea of a German mediating role in the Middle East is rather absurd, and overestimates Berlin's possibilities of influencing the events in the Middle East and will result in the German government falling between the fronts. And this is something it can by no means afford because of its special relations with Israel. Even though he may like to play the role of peace angel: During his upcoming visit to the Middle East, Chancellor Schroeder can try to curry favor with his interlocutors for silencing all weapons and for the elimination of hatred. But no more."

"The Pause Is About To End"

Andrea Nuesse opined in centrist Der Tagesspiegel of Berlin (10/24): "Again, Israel is risking the peace process for domestic policy reasons. The Israeli leader rejected the offer of the Arab leaders not to got the extremes. He answered their moderate resolution with a time out for the peace process. This is the only chance for Barak to form a government of national unity which can prolong his political survival.... If he accepts hardliner Ariel Sharon in his government, the peace process cannot be revived."

ITALY: "Sharon's Ultimatum To Barak"

Ugo Tramballi filed from Jerusalem in leading, business-oriented Il Sole-24 Ore (10/24): "When we ask some important Israeli spokesmen how they can think that a hawk like Sharon should take part in a government that should be seeking peace, they often reply that he wants peace, too. It is true, indeed. Sharon was one of the first political representatives to openly talk about a Palestinian state. But what he thinks of is a 'Bantustan,' like during the South African apartheid."

"The End Of The Illusion, Clinton Punished By Haste"

Washington correspondent Cesare De Carlo held in Rome's centrist Il Messaggero (10/23): "The peace process is turning into a war process.... We are...wondering about the causes of this diplomatic disaster. In our opinion, the blame goes to the naivete and the superficiality of the U.S. president, anxious to obtain a place for himself in history and to help the election of his wife. Clinton is seeing his desperate mediation at Sharm Al-Sheikh vanish. He realizes that he has lost the game.... But, unable to resign, he is trying another foreign policy achievement, this time in North Korea."

BELGIUM: "Arab Failure"

Foreign affairs writer Francis Vanden Berghe said in independent Catholic De Standaard (10/23): "Many Arab regimes are dependent on American aid or military protection. They have no credible military option against Israel. Yet, in the eyes of Arab public opinion, the summit in Cairo ended in failure.... There is anger and frustration over the suppression of the Palestinians by Israel. Today, one must add to that the bitterness of many Arabs against their leaders.... The United States is no longer viewed as a mediator in the peace process, but as a pro-Israeli party that manipulates weak Arab leaders.... Out of frustration and bitterness, many Arabs may feel attracted to the more radical positions of Islamic movements and countries like Iraq and Libya.... The attractiveness of the radical Hamas movement and the Islamic Holy War is growing. The road to peace will continue to be a dead end if nothing changes in Israel. The considerable ethnic-religious character of that state is a recipe for continuing conflict. A modern democracy looks different."

DENMARK: "If Peace Is To Have A Chance It Will Take Another U.S. Initiative"

Center-right Berlingske Tidende noted (10/24): "If peace is to have a chance in the Middle East, it will demand yet another U.S. initiative. As the election race nears its end, it will become increasingly difficult for Clinton to force the two parties together. Therefore, it is important that he acts now. Yasser Arafat must show a willingness to deliver the goods. If he fails to do so, he will push the peace process into the abyss."

HUNGARY: "War And Or Peace In The Middle East"

Middle East expert and researcher Erzsebet Rozsa said (10/26) in independent Nepszava: "The majority of Arab governments got into a difficult situation partly because they needed to control the [popular] movements and partly because they had to avoid getting into a conflict with the developed world."

LITHUANIA: "The Flame Of Violence Is Hard To Extinguish"

Ceslovas Iskauskas held in leading Lietuvos Rytas (10/23): "The more peace and harmony are sought, the more furiously certain forces oppose this. The international community has not yet discovered a single prescription that would be suitable for suppressing all conflicts in the world.... The Palestinian leader does not have enough influence over the actions of radical Islamic groups, while the Israeli prime minister does not want confrontation with radical political forces at the upcoming Israeli Knesset session on October 29. Without the good-will, political courage and comprehension of responsibility of these leaders, no mediators and no organization with its one-sided decisions will be able to extinguish the fire in the Middle East."

NORWAY: "The Superpower's New President"

Independent Dagbladet commented (10/19): "The wave of violence in the Palestinian self-rule areas and the terrorist attack against an American warship in Yemen have brought new tension into the election campaign in the United States.... He who becomes president of the world's only remaining superpower must handle something more and larger than only domestic controversial issues.... At the moment it is impossible to know if Bush or Gore will be Clinton's successor. But both of them must reconsider their reflections in reflexes to Israel and the mighty Jewish lobby in the United States. It is only the United States and the country's new president that can lead Israel to a final peace with an independent Palestinian state."

SPAIN: "Headed For Death"

Center-left El Pais commented (10/23): "The Arab League has never been able to respond with a minimum of unanimity to the State of Israel.... The scapegoats...continue to be the Palestinians. The worrisome thing is that the government of Israel intends to represent the declaration of the Arab League as radical when in reality it says very little and almost nothing.... Barak has shown himself to be much less of a dove than he promised. Arafat has done nothing but imitate him.... We face a situation in which increasingly more people on both sides seek a war to get out of the current blind alley."

TURKEY: "A Realistic Question"

Ertugrul Ozkok asked in a front-page editorial in mass-appeal Hurriyet (10/26): "In the Israel-Palestinian dispute, do we really have to condemn one side and support the other side unconditionally? It is really tough to pose this kind of question to ourselves in a situation where 129 Palestinians have been killed, yet it has to be asked.... President Sezer's speech at an Islamic Conference meeting in Istanbul and the way he criticized Israel in a rather diplomatic style, brought these thoughts to my mind.... President Sezer might have balanced his criticism by seeing the facts in both sides.... What kind of international norms apply to Arafat when he does not hesitate to put children and under-age kids on the front lines?... Sharon's inhumane provocations should not hinder us from seeing Arafat's mistakes."

"Israel Starting From Scratch"

Izzet Sedes commented in mass-appeal/sensational Aksam (10/24): "The current situation brings back a similar picture of the Mideast some 20 years ago.... The powerful and courageous leaders in the Middle East are no longer available. Barak in Israel is trying to rule the country with a narrow margin of support and he needs the support of Ariel Sharon, who is advocating a war with Arabs."

EAST ASIA

CHINA: "Good News Follows Bad News"

Wei Min commented in the official Chinese Youth Party China Youth Daily (Zhongguo Qingnianbao, 10/26): "Achieving peace in the Middle East is like solving Goldbach's Conjecture. In fact, the key is already there, which is the land-for-peace proposal. "

AUSTRALIA: "A Return To War Solves Nothing"

The leading Melbourne Age stated (10/25): "The tragedy of all this is that the only possible solution to the troubled relationship of Israel and Palestine has been clear since before creation of the state of Israel in 1948. The two peoples who claim the land must agree to divide it, and that means their leaders must find a just formula of division.... To those now talking of separation or of the new intifada, a return to the conference table may seem like a return to the policies of failure. The real failure, however, is in the present confrontation, and in the mounting death toll that is its only sure legacy."

JAPAN: "Arab Frustrations Cannot be Ignored"

Business-oriented Nihon Keizai opined (10/24): "The final declaration issued at the Arab summit, held in Cairo, Egypt, urged the Arab nations not to sever existing diplomatic relations with Israel and not to boycott corporations doing business with Israel. We praise the content of the declaration.... Arab nations' frustrations are deepening over the U.S. mediation role in the peace process. It was not just Libya and Syria alone that called at the Arab summit for taking a harder-line position toward Israel. It was Saudi Arabia, a pro-U.S. Arab state, who also called for severing diplomatic and economic relations with Israel. This move cannot be ignored."

SOUTH KOREA: "Middle East Turning Point"

Reporter Kim Ki-dong observed in conservative Segye Ilbo (10/20): "For now, it seems, the recent conflict in the Middle East has been brought under control. However, seeds of conflict are clearly very much alive in the region.... The real obstacle to finding solutions is the old practice of not bothering to get to the bottom of such incidents as the recent bloody one, not to mention finding the truth about those incidents. Too often they have merely sought temporary solutions."

VIETNAM: "Middle East On The Verge Of War"

Minh Uyen wrote in Sai Gon Giai Phong, mouthpiece of the Ho Chi Minh City's Communist Party (10/25): "What is going in the Middle East proves that Ehud Barak is nothing but 'a second Netanyahu.'... In this tense situation, the United States is still very biased toward Israel... Meanwhile, voices are repeatedly raised requesting that Russia play a greater role in the Middle East peace process."

SOUTH ASIA

BANGLADESH: "The Middle East Peace Process On The Rocks?"

An independent, English-language Daily Star op-ed article opined (10/26): "The final stumbling block is Jerusalem. President Clinton appears unwilling to leave it for his successor.... Whatever happens, President Clinton deserves the gratitude of humanity for being so energetic about bringing peace to the strife-torn Middle East."

PAKISTAN: "U.S. And Islamic World--Imprudent Ways"

An op-ed by Irshad Ahmad Haqqani in the mass-circulation, Urdu-language Jang said (10/26): "The Islamic world may be weak and United States may be a world policeman.... Isn't it time that the United States rethink its imprudent policies toward Islamic world, especially Palestine and the Gulf and make attempts to reduce the intensity of hatred in the Islamic world against it? This will be prudent and indicate farsightedness. Otherwise, long-term U.S. interests will be undermined."

INDIA: "Hell In The Making"

The centrist Times of India held (10/25): "Only an incurable optimist would see any positive signs in the crumbling Middle East peace process at the moment.... The Palestinians were banking on a united Arab response, even the severing of ties with the Jewish state, but at the end of the day the summit ended on a wishy-washy note with the resolution that each nation be free to do what it wants. This is because Arab leaders are mindful that they are presiding over a new generation which seeks closer ties with the pro-Israeli West than with the Arab bloc. But, notwithstanding the politics on the ground, Israel's actions are increasingly causing revulsion in the international community..... The Israelis know what happens to the human psyche when a people are dispossessed and pushed to the wall. They turn to extreme forms of protest. Witness what happened in Afghanistan after the Soviet pull-out. The vacuum was swiftly filled in by virulent forms of terror which are now finding their echoes on American soil. The die is already cast in the Middle East for a similar turn of events. Mr. Arafat is finding it increasingly difficult to hold his ground. The fundamentalist elements which are jostling to take his place will resort to transborder terrorism which neither U.S. sanctions nor Israel's military might will be able to contain."

AFRICA

CAMEROON: "Endless Talks, Endless Violence"

The Yaounde-based, bilingual, government-owned Cameroon Tribune (10/25) carried an editorial by Ngomba Efande: "From Oslo to Camp David, Sharm Al-Sheikh to Cairo, the story is the same: talks, talks, fruitless talks. Optimists who thought the two-day Arab summit that ended in Cairo on Sunday would pave the way for an overall peace settlement between Israelis and Palestinians were badly disappointed when the leaders instead issued incendiary diatribes against each other.... What happens next? More violence, more bloodshed, more deaths.... The mood has changed across the Arab world; political moderation has collapsed, extreme views are becoming more entrenched."

NIGERIA: "Let's Save the World From Another Major Trouble"

The Lagos-based, pro-labor independent Vanguard said (10/25): "The world is getting restive over the unfolding events in the Middle East. The two principal characters in those events, Israel and Palestine, are not playing a game of hope. There is tension. There is fear. A war may break out again between both countries unless precautions are urgently taken.... We appeal to the mediatory team, including the UN, to expedite efforts on compromise between both countries so as to save the world from another major trouble."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

ARGENTINA: "Barak, In A Race Against The Clock To Save His Government"

Paula Lugones, on special assignment in Jerusalem for leading Clarin, wrote (10/25): "Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is attempting to save his government by imploring to the right-wing Likud...but the organization led by Ariel Sharon does not want to sink in Barak's ship and it now pressures for new elections.... While Barak is attempting to save his government, violence does not stop, although on a smaller scale than in previous days.... Barak...is determined to seduce Sharon to take part in the government. He does not seem concerned about the fact that such a situation would infuriate the Palestinians. Barak has his own party against him, because many ministers do not want to sit by Sharon. Barak attempts to temper the situation and comments that the Likud's leader is much more moderate than supposed."

CANADA: "Sellout Of Israel Unfolds"

Columnist Paul Jackson wrote in the conservative Calgary Sun (10/25): "The scenario that has been unfolding for the past month--said to be a spontaneous uprising by oppressed Palestinians--is in actuality a carefully orchestrated plot by Islamic extremists to finally turn the world against Israel and make the Israelis grovel for whatever bits and pieces of their shattered country they can salvage. We should hang our heads in eternal shame for our lack of morality and acquiescence to this charade."

"Palestinians Squander Their Freedom"

Foreign affairs columnist Marcus Gee wrote in the leading Globe and Mail (10/26): "Consider. Only three months ago, Prime Minister Ehud Barak went to Camp David and offered the most sweeping concessions ever tabled by an Israeli leader.... No Arab country is willing to fight Israel over the Palestinian issue.... Whether they like it or not, [statehood] is a gift only Israel can give, and Israel will give it only if it feels secure. If the Palestinians really want their independence, they must show they are reliable partners and peaceful neighbours.... They had a historic chance. Now they have thrown it away. The fools."

BRAZIL: "Developments Of A Provocation"

Retired Ambassador Antonio Aamaral de Sampaio had this to say on the op-ed page of center-right O Estado de Sao Paulo (10/16): "Guided by General Ariel Sharon, the destruction of the Middle East peace process has been achieved. Now, President Clinton, who needs a diplomatic triumph to improve (Gore's) electoral chances, is struggling to mend the ruins of the negotiations. Usually disunited and militarily inferior, the Arabs lack objective goals to resume the war. However, they still can count on oil extortion--which also punishes Third World nations--and on terrorism. The new generation of Hamas, headed by radicals who are on the edge of insanity, lacks scruples and is ready to go beyond all limits to assert itself as Arafat's substitute."

COLOMBIA: "We Have Just Begun Walking The Path Toward Peace"

Political analyst José Luis Ramírez wrote in second-leading, liberal El Espectador (10/25): "In the extremely unstable chess game in the Middle East characterized by failed mediation and many casualties, we sometimes forget what common citizens from both sides think.... Those who fought for tolerance are now left without arguments in the face of violence. One of the most painful losses has been the confidence slowly built since the Oslo agreements."

EQUADOR: "From Words To Deeds"

A front-page editorial in center-left influential Hoy held (10/19): "Despite the signals of détente on both sides, the fulfillment of the accord is not yet foreseen as a reality. The largest obstacle is the fanaticism of extremist groups and the recent wounds they inflicted on each other. Now it seems more difficult that Arabs and Israelis will return to the negotiating table in the short term to reinitiate this long peace process, which is endangered by the ongoing confrontations."

GUATEMALA: "Uncertainty In The Middle East"

Leading Prensa Libre's editorial made this point (10/25): "Clinton's presence is a manifestation of domestic U.S. policy. The outgoing president does not want the current situation to become a reason for the Democrats to lose votes, above all in an election where the differences in opinion polls are practically nonexistent. It is no secret to anyone that the economic force of petroleum makes Arab countries important interlocutors, even though no solid union with Israel exists. Furthermore, the existence of the Jewish state should not be threatened as it is by an Arab alliance based on the idea of making (the Jewish state) disappear. This is the great challenge: to find points of union so that the Middle East does not become an atomic powder keg."

MEXICO: "Barak-Arafat, The End Of Clinton's Peace?"

Juan Maria Alponte wrote in nationalist El Universal (10/25): "In July of this year, William Clinton thought about ending his second term in office with the achievement of peace in the Middle East. This was an admirable thought. Even greater that the American dream. But he failed and the whole Middle East failed along with him.... Clinton was wrong in thinking that there were only reasonable differences between Israel and Palestine over land and borders. He did not realize the profound and longstanding historical differences between them in which religion is also part of the mix." ##