| Office of Research | Issue Focus | Foreign Media Reaction |
| February 27, 2002 SAUDI PEACE INITIATIVE: BUSH PRAISE SPARKS HOPE FOR 'TRIAL BALLOON' |
KEY FINDINGS
-- Pro-negotiation voices worldwide seized upon Pres. Bush's "praise" for the Saudi initiative.
-- Many saw the Saudi plan as a effort to change the Kingdom's image in the U.S.
-- Israelis and Palestinians focused on deal-busting issues: Jerusalem, refugees.
-- Arabs described plan as reiteration of long-standing Arab position.
MAJOR THEMES
ISRAEL: Many saw the proposal as the latest test of whether Israel's future will be determined by Sharon and the right or by the peace camp. Veteran Israeli journalists, judging that the public will not readily countenance a withdrawal to Israel's pre-1967 borders or the loss of the Temple Mount, considered PM Sharon's wariness of the initiative appropriate. Some worried, however, that Sharon's vision of leadership, limited to showing "determination and cool-headedness in the face of a violent enemy," would prevent him from exhibiting the kind of courage needed to bring about a paradigm shift from confrontation to negotiations. On balance, they judged that, given Israel's current state of insecurity, Sharon must give the plan "sincere and serious examination" and not just "kill it with politeness."
ARABS: The consensus was that the plan offered "nothing new" but spoke volumes about Saudi concern over an anti-Arab/Muslim backlash in the U.S. following the 9/11 attacks. Palestinian and Jordanian dailies wondered aloud whether Saudi leaders are more concerned with getting back into Washington's good graces than with helping the Palestinians get their demands. Palestinians jumped ahead to discuss these deal-breakers: statehood, the right to return to Israel and Jerusalem as their capital. A number worried that a U.S.-Israeli mind meld on fighting terrorism after 9/11 would be a factor in developing the Saudi initiative. While some feared that Washington would focus exclusively on pressuring Arabs to normalize relations with Israel, others hoped that the Saudi initiative would provide the U.S. and the EU with the leverage necessary to temper what they saw as PM Sharon's unconstrained aggression.
GLOBAL: Some observers elsewhere believed that an imminent U.S. attack against Iraq is driving developments in the region. One Jordanian writer saw the Saudi initiative as a prerequisite for garnering Arab support for a strike on Iraq.
COMMENTARY HIGHLIGHT: Buenos Aires' leading Clarin: "The Saudi peace plan is not an innocent project. It is the first step of the Royal House aimed at changing its image vis-a-vis U.S. public opinion, after the September 11 attacks in which 15 of the kidnappers were from south Saudi Arabia."
EDITOR: Gail Hamer Burke
EDITOR'S NOTE: This report is based on 25 reports from 66 countries, February 18-27. Editorial excerpts from each country are listed from the most recent date.
MIDDLE EAST
ISRAEL: "Nice Idea But Not A Plan"
Senior Middle East affairs analyst Zvi Bar'el wrote in independent Ha'aretz (2/27): "The initiative needs some more clarification, especially from other Arab countries.... For example, it refers to Israel withdrawing from all the occupied territory, but it makes no mention of the refugees. Without some form of solution to the refugee problem, Lebanon won't be able to accept the initiative.... And if Lebanon doesn't accept the initiative, neither will Syria, so it will have a hard time getting through a summit where unanimity is required.... Another question is Jerusalem and the concessions the Palestinians will be ready to make.... The initiative also does not recognize any plan for stages. It regards all the tracks--Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian, as one.... Then there is the question of how it would be implemented.... Saudi Arabia does not intend at this stage to add any details to the plan.... Meanwhile, the Saudis want to see the American reaction, not through general statements made by spokesmen, but through real action, like American pressure on Israel to change its policies."
"Seize The Day"
Veteran op-ed writer Eytan Haber commented in the lead editorial of mass-circulation, pluralist Yediot Aharonot (2/27): "The first part of the Saudi initiative will be welcomed by many in Israel: the recognition of the right of the State of Israel to live here. The second part will be rejected by many in Israel: the withdrawal to the '67 borders. They will say that there is nothing to talk about and it's a waste of time. But just as Menachem Begin 'seized the moment' and put Anwar Sadat to the test, so could Arik Sharon make a historic turnabout: the Saudis tossed Israel bait? Maybe, maybe, maybe, in this case Israel should seize the hook? And, in fact, how much and what can Israel lose by giving a positive response in principle to the Saudi initiative (or ruse)?... By saying 'Yes,' Sharon can give the Saudis (and Israelis...) an historic opportunity to reach a comprehensive peace, the dream of generations. A window of opportunity opens from the direction of Saudi Arabia? It is barely a crack in the blinds, but perhaps Israel can widen it, and without mistaken illusions. Let the sun rise."
"It's Him Or Us"
Liberal columnist Gideon Samet wrote in independent Ha'aretz (2/27): Sharon has nothing but contempt for any chance for an agreement, but he's no fool, heaven forbid. He's clever as a fox. Someone who isn't ready to exploit any chance for calm cannot be suspected of readiness to genuinely discuss a much more far-reaching initiative. He'll kill it with politeness."
"An Important Saudi Initiative"
Independent Ha'aretz editorialized (2/26): "There is nothing like a conciliatory gesture toward Israel to improve the image of a fundamentalist, Muslim dictatorship. But the positive sides of the Saudi proposal should also be recognized. Fundamentally, the prince suggests taking the conflict back to the Taba framework, but this time, instead of leaving the pan-Arab aspect in the background, putting it at center stage. That has clear advantages for both sides. For Israel, sickened by Yasser Arafat and bereft of any vestiges of confidence in him, the Saudi plan is an opportunity to sign a peace treaty with most of the Arab world (except for countries like Libya and Iraq), including the Palestinians. For the Palestinians, the Saudi initiative could give them that 'umbrella' of Arab legitimacy without which they did not dare clinch a deal with Israel during the Camp David and Taba talks. The prime minister, who promised to bring peace and security, must undertake a sincere and serious examination of the significance of the Saudi
initiative and its ramifications.... As Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Rabin each demonstrated, a creative and unexpected diplomatic initiative can also be the test of destiny for a leader."
"Give The Saudi Initiative A Chance"
Mass-circulation, pluralist Maariv's editor-in-chief Amnon Dankner advised in a front-page article (2/26): "Accept the Saudi initiative. Not necessarily with all its friends and relatives, not necessary a quick and complete acceptance.... [But] it is worth an in-depth, positive discussion.... It the first real ray of hope after too much time spent walking in the valley of the shadow of death with no direction or purpose.... Of course, it could be that Israel can't accept everything, it could be that it will turn out that there will be setbacks on the way to carrying out the proposal, it could be that it will all turn out to be a trick. But apprehension of this sort cannot serve as an excuse for a chilly response to whatever comes from Saudi Arabia.... The only thing you have left to sell is hope. The hope for peace. Many people, even on the Left, are convinced that it is already impossible to make such a peace with Arafat. But the Saudi initiative simply removes from Arafat any exclusivity, along with the keys to the dispute."
"Giving Up The Temple Mount And The Right Of Return"
Veteran journalist Dan Margalit wrote in mass-circulation, pluralist Maariv (2/26): "Even a right-wing Israeli government must seriously consider the [Saudi] plan, because it offers Israel full diplomatic relations, not only with the Palestinians but also with the entire Arab world; it is flexible on land exchange and on granting Israel a recognized status in Jerusalem's 'holy basin.' Still, it has salient weaknesses. Its key flaw is the blind eye turned on the refugee problem. Dr. Sari Nusseibeh has wisely and courageously proposed what the Saudi Crown Prince's initiative is lacking: a Palestinian renunciation of the right of return. Essentially, the deal is about the Temple Mount in exchange for the right of return.... No less important, a peace agreement--especially if it includes a repudiation of the right of return--would cost US$30 to 40 billion. It would be significant to see the Saudis affix their names to the bankroll."
"Double-Edged Peace Offer"
Nationalist Hatzofe editorialized (2/26): "Crown Prince Abdullah's peace initiative is a good thing--with a flaw. Seemingly, it is the harbinger of a significant transformation in the Arab world. Conversely, in its attitude towards Israel, it could impose on the government of Israel an agreement that all--left- and right-wing--Israeli governments have rejected absolutely.... Israel must clarify that it will not return to 'the old borders.' It will demand border modifications consistent with its national and military interests.... In any agreement, the Jewish settlements beyond the 'Green Line' [border between Israel and the Palestinian territories] must remain under Israel's sovereignty.... Alongside its blessings to Prince Abdullah, Israel must clarify that his proposal could serve as a basis for peace talks--without preconditions.... Should the Arabs reject the Israeli proposal...Israel would fully understand that [the Saudi proposal] isn't a 'peace offer,' but one of the Arab states' tricks, part of their efforts to force Israel to withdraw to the...pre-Six Day War borders."
"The Israeli Embassy In Damascus"
Chief Economic Editor Sever Plotker wrote in mass-circulation, pluralist Yediot Aharonot (2/22): "The Saudi peace draft is meant to serve as a peace channel that bypasses Arafat, a new channel that so many Israelis are hoping for.... If the proposal should be fleshed out, Israel will also face a decision: Whether to give up the territory it occupied in the Six-Day War in order to have an embassy in Riyadh and Damascus."
SAUDI ARABIA: "Precious Peace Initiative"
Dammam based, moderate Al-Yaum opined (2/20): "The whole world is reacting to Crown
Prince Abdullah's announcement to Thomas Friedman. These reactions emphasize the importance of the courageous initiative to melt the currently frozen Middle East peace process.... It is a mistake to assume that there are no relevant solutions to the Israeli aggression on the Palestinians, it is also wrong for the White House to put pressure on the Palestinians to stop a normal reaction to brutal aggression.... The wise Saudi solution comes as a surprise and could end a long Palestinian-Israeli conflict."
"The Last Leaf Has Fallen From The Tree"
Jeddah based, moderate Okaz held (2/20): "The Crown Prince's peace initiative based on the UN resolutions has been well received even within Israel. The wide Arab and international support of the initiative shows it to be one of the most progressive proposals to date. It could guarantee a comprehensive peace and bring a just ending to the Arab/Israeli conflict. The Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, being the exception, considers the initiative an unacceptable intervention in Israel's internal affairs, a disguised threat to Israel, and a call to bring down his government. In short, the proposal threatens Sharon's political and strategic objectives to ignore all peace initiatives. His pursuits sow discord and elevate tension in one of the most tense spots in the world. The initiative also jeopardizes Sharon's concept of peace: total Palestinian surrender."
"Practical Response To An Effective Proposal"
Riyadh-based, moderate Al-Jazira stated (2/20): "At the same time Israel escalated its aggression against the Palestinians, the Crown Prince presented his widely welcomed proposal.... His declaration proves that the Arabs really want to implement peace.... The international community, which is supposed to be the peacekeeper, must listen to the Crown Prince's proposal and seize the opportunity to reach a peace accord.... The international community should address the Palestinian issue decisively and in a practical way, especially because the Crown Prince's proposal is in accord with the international UN resolutions."
Burying Peace Alive"
Riyadh-based, moderate Al-Jazira stated (2/19): "The Crown Prince said, in an interview with the American writer Thomas Friedman, that he had drafted a speech which offered Israel a full normalization of relations in return for full withdrawal from all of the occupied territories, including Jerusalem.... But he changed his mind about delivering it when Sharon took the violence and the oppression to unprecedented levels."
"The Saudi Peace Door"
London based, Pan-Arab Al-Hayat's carried this front-page analysis by Riyadh Bureau Chief Dawood Al-Shiryan (2/19): "Riyadh has launched its (peace) initiative in a non-obligatory manner. The purpose of the Saudi announcement, as American journalist Thomas Friedman reported, is to measure international, Arab, and local reaction.... It is also intended to restore the Saudi image which was destroyed by the U.S. press. It presents a political initiative, which is considered a shift in Saudi thinking. It does not engage in a direct dialogue with any party since this has tended to destroy all (peace) moves and promote more violence.... Israel is unlikely to quickly move toward the Saudi initiative. Rather, it will try through Washington to put pressure on Riyadh to offer more favorable practical steps."
"The Precious Saudi Draft"
London based, Pan-Arab Al-Hayat ran this commentary by Dawood Al-Shiryan (2/19): "It is very difficult to measure Saudi public opinion on political issues in general and especially on a sensitive issue like this one. Saudi public opinion indicates that the man on the street was surprised by the statement, even more surprised that Saudi media had not paved the way for it,
and wonder how full normalization could be realized given the local media rhetoric, which still describes Israel as an enemy.... Some Saudi journalists want to treat the issue of normalization with more transparency, and provide opposing views to the official announcement. This freedom would pressure opposition parties to air their view and possibly strengthen the Saudi negotiator's position on the public opinion card. Those Arab governments, which engaged in normalization, failed to invest in it politically because they ignored the views of the people on the issue and had controlled the content of the press."
"New Light"
London-based, pan-Arab Asharq Al-Awsat held (2/19): "Today, Prince Abdullah's initiative came as a big surprise. It was not intended for the Israeli leadership, but to the Israeli people who want to get themselves out of troubled times they are living in. It suggests a comprehensive Arab acknowledgment of Israel in return for Israel's commitment to withdraw completely from all occupied lands and to recognize a Palestinian state with Eastern Jerusalem as its capital.... Arabs, through Prince Abdullah's initiative, are offering the world and the Israeli people a rational solution for an ever-lasting peace."
"The Saudi Role And The Important Paper"
Jeddah-based, moderate Al-Bilad said (2/19): "The strong stand that Prince Abdullah revealed to American journalist Thomas Friedman should be of extreme importance to American decision makers, the White House, and other international and regional leaders. It is a clear message to the Israeli people that ending the occupation of Arab land and restoring the rights of the Palestinian people is the basis of a fair and comprehensive peace. The answer is not Sharon's aggression and terrorism that strained the Israeli security structure and deprived the Palestinians of their rights. It is also a test of American and Israeli credibility about genuinely wanting a Middle East peace process."
"The Saudi Initiative And The U.S. Role"
Jeddah based, moderate Okaz asserted (2/19): "The prince's proposal broaches the question of the role the U.S. can play in brokering peace. The U.S. must demonstrate a serious attempt and compel Israeli compliance with UN resolutions, stopping its aggression against the Palestinian people. Subsequent to this there can be talks of peace in the region and the neutralization of relations between its countries. The Saudi initiative puts the U.S.' determination of brokering peace in the region to the test as it requires its (U.S.) friends in Israel to accept a fair peace based on the UN resolutions."
"The Peace We Accept"
Jeddah-based, moderate Okaz held (2/18): "Crown Prince Abdullah clearly outlined our concept of peace.... Peace cannot be achieved by surrender and submission to the dictates and stipulations of Israel's conspiracy schemes. The legitimate rights of the Palestinians cannot be abandoned. There can be no concessions on Jerusalem and the Al Aqsa mosque, (which are) the primary concerns of the Kingdom and the Arab and Islamic world. This is the kind of peace we can accept.... It is up to the peace broker--in particular the U.S.--and Israel to get the message, as there can be no wavering, negotiating, or stalling when it comes to a fair and comprehensive peace."
WEST BANK: "Saudi Arabia Proves It Is Vital To U.S."
Ahmed Majdalani opined in independent, pro-Palestinian Authority Al-Ayyam (2/27): "Once again, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has revealed to the American Administration and the decision makers in Washington, through its initiative, the moderate policy of the Kingdom and its vital role [in the region]. At the same time, Saudi Arabia is urging the American
administration to play a more influential and active role in order to curb the hostility of Sharon and his government towards the Palestinians and to resume the political process and find a political perspective for a solution through negotiations. This will lead to comprehensive normalization with Israel, which the U.S. has been pushing the Arabs to do."
"Saudi Initiative"
Fuad Abu Hijleh commented in semi-official Al-Hayat Al-Jadida (2/27): "Nothing looks new in the Saudi initiative. What is required is an [Israeli] withdrawal, and we are demanding an Israeli withdrawal [from the Palestinian territories]. But who is going to ensure an Israeli commitment to such a withdrawal? Do the Arab regimes possess pressuring tools to make Israel fulfill its obligations? Will any Arab regime dare to take back its recognition of Israel, if Israel refuses to implement the withdrawal? What about our rights in an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital? And what about the refugees' right of return?"
Media Treatment--Al-Ayyam Notes Arafat's Praise For Saudi Plan
Independent, pro-Palestinian Al-Ayyam front-paged reports quoting Chairman Arafat as praising remarks by Crown Prince Abdullah, saying that the Kingdom's willingness to normalize relations with Israel was in support of a just and durable peace in the region.
EGYPT: "Thomas Friedman's Fresh Fallacies"
Leading pro-government Al Ahram's contributor Ragab El Banna wrote (2/24): "Thomas Friedman, known for his enmity to Arabs and Palestinians, wrote an article entitled 'The Summit Should Present A Peace Plan' as usual in the form of a message from President Bush to Arab presidents.... This article is a model of his usual mistakes and fallacies.... He portrayed the matter as if Arab countries had not repeatedly announced peace with Israel, guaranteeing its security and establishing normal relations contingent upon its withdrawal from the Occupied Territories, establishment of a Palestinian state, and guaranteeing the security of Arab countries. He said Arabs secretly told the American administration they accept 'land for peace.' Arabs declare this every day and at every occasion. Arafat declares this every day.... Maybe Thomas Friedman did not lose his memory to the extent that he still recalls normalization existed in reality and there were good intentions until Sharon arrived and declared war."
JORDAN: "The Saudi Initiative And The New Atmosphere"
Fahd Fanek wrote in semi-official, influential Al-Ra'i (2/27): "The Saudi proposal is a message to America meant to improve the Saudi image and portray it as an element of peace and stability. It is also a message to the Israeli people urging them to abandon Sharon who has failed to achieve peace and even security. It is a message to the world aimed at pulling the rug from under Sharon's feet. If Israel's objective is to achieve peace, security, recognition and normalization, then here is the Arab proposal. If America is looking for a new atmosphere for a fresh movement, then here is the new atmosphere. If the Arab proposal is met with rejection and if Sharon continues his policy of destruction, murder and settlement, then the entire world will know who is responsibility for the terrorism not only in this region, but in all the world."
"Mental Exercise"
Columnist Urayb Rintawi wrote on the op-ed page of center-left, influential Al-Dustour (2/26): "There are signs that the Iraqi issue has reached the decisive turning point. It is, therefore, very likely that the initiative proposed by Saudi Prince Abdullah, while providing a comprehensive solution to the problems of the Arab-Israeli conflict, will also pave the way for a complete Arab-American understanding about the Iraqi issue.. One way of looking at the initiative is this: the Arab countries are ready to change their declared stands towards Iraq if two factors
are fulfilled, the first being the achievement of concrete progress towards Arab-Israeli peace, and the second being the promise to change the ruling regime in Baghdad, for real this time."
"The Initiative Required At The Beirut Summit"
Chief Editor Taher Udwan wrote on the back page of independent, mass-appeal Al-Arab Al-Yawm (2/26): "With General Sharon at the head of government in Israel and President Bush in the White House, the initiative by Saudi Prince Abdullah regarding a final settlement between the Palestinians and the Israelis has very little chance to survive or succeed.. The only initiative required by the Arabs at the upcoming Beirut summit meeting is an initiative that provides unlimited political and material support for the Arab parties to the conflict with Israel, namely the Palestinians, the Syrians and the Lebanese, and that sends a message to the U.S. that resistance is not terrorism and that the Israeli occupation is the only terrorism."
"The Importance Of Marketing Prince Abdullah's Initiative"
Bater Wardam wrote on the op-ed page of center-left, influential Al-Dustour (2/20): "For the first time ever, Saudi Arabia, the biggest of the Arab and Muslim countries, is officially talking about normalization with and recognition of Israel.. The Israelis and the Americans have taken Arafat's rejection of the Camp David as a pretext for pressuring him and blaming him for the failure of the negotiations. Yet, Prince Abdullah has now placed the ball in the Israel's court, and is now offering Israel what it had never dreamed of having: a Saudi-led Arab recognition in return for a complete withdrawal. It is a clear offer that requires a clear answer, an answer that will definitely not come from Sharon and his extremist right wing, but rather from peace movements such as the officers who are refusing military service.. We believe it is the duty of the Arab media to promote Prince Abdullah's initiative, exactly the way the Zionist media promoted the Camp David propositions. This initiative is originally directed at world public opinion and, as such, is capable of drawing much support and redirect pressure towards Israel."
KUWAIT: "A Hard Deception"
Jamal Al-Kandari wrote in independent Al-Watan (2/26): "It is a big trap which the criminal Sharon has set against Saudi Arabia by asking the United Stated to intervene to arrange for a meeting between Israel and Saudi Arabia to discuss Crown Prince Abdullah's initiative. This trap is aimed at removing all obstacles to start direct negotiations between Israel and the GCC. Back in 1982, King Fahd came up with a peace initiative, but Israel rejected it because of their arrogance. (Israel's) Sitting at the negotiation table without any goodwill intentions such as a gradual withdrawal from the occupied territories is a useless attempt to break the unity of Arabs and Muslims which we hope that the GCC is aware of."
"Who Will Reject The Initiative?"
Liberal professor Shamlan Al-Essa wrote in Al-Siyassah (2/25): "We expect the Saudi initiative...will be turned down by Ariel Sharon whom we do not imagine believes in peace between Arabs and Israel because he imagines that he can both achieve peace and retain land by defeating the Arabs. Israel does not want peace. Peace to Israel means the end of the foreign financial support, which means reduction in military expenditures. Some Arab countries had already begun the process of normalizing ties with Tel Aviv.... We cannot imagine that the rest of the Arab countries will object to this peace initiative because these countries do not want to confront Israel and the U.S. unilaterally. They fear that American aid and support will stop. GCC countries meanwhile have repeatedly expressed readiness to support the peace process in the Middle East and have called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian entity with Jerusalem as its capital."
"Wisdom--When It Is Deep"
Liberal Nabil Al-Fadel wrote in independent Al-Watan (2/21): "We believe that the announcement made by Crown Prince Abdullah is the strongest Gulf statement in the past thirty years. His wisdom indicates that it is time to be realistic and that Arabs must face the future. His wisdom is sending a clear message to the Westerners that Saudi Arabia will lead the peace process in the Middle East. His wisdom is also a clear message to the Israelis to change their method of dealing with the Arabs."
"The Mechanism Of The Initiative"
Lawyer Rashed Al-Rad'an wrote in independent Al-Watan (2/21): "The exchange of violence will only create more harm for both parties (Palestinian and Israeli). In my opinion, Crown Prince Abdullah's peace initiative must be well studied by the Arab leaders especially since the U.S. has supported and welcomed it. Arabs must be capable of studying the mechanism for implementing this plan because they will not lose more what they have already lost."
LEBANON: "When Beginnings Are Not Similar To Endings"
An editorial by Walid Al-Husseini in pro-Syria Al-Kifah Al-Arabi stated (2/26): "Prince Abdullah's initiative is no longer a trial balloon. It has become a first rate political event.... However...we should be aware of the fact that beginnings are not similar to endings. Your highness Prince Abdullah:...You really need to be cautious. Israel has the ability to drown any initiative with details and change it into a skeleton.... Did you forget what happened to Madrid?... We fear for your initiative. Arafat, Israel, and the U.S. might try to modify it. Your highness, your only path is Damascus. Damascus is the passage way of initiatives that would never be changed."
"The Path Towards The Post-Sharon Phase"
Rariq Khoury wrote in centrist Al-Anwar (2/26): "Prince Abdullah will neither come to Israel to explain his initiative nor receive President Katsav in Riyadh. The Saudi initiative is realistic while the Israeli invitation can only take place in imaginations. Furthermore, Prince Abdullah's initiative is not directed at the Sharon government. It is directed to the international arena and the Israeli public opinion. All initiatives...directed towards Sharon and his government have reached a dead end because the key for Sharon's closed door is in Washington.... So far, nothing indicates that Washington is planning on using this key."
"Enemies Of Peace Will Stop At Nothing"
The English-language Daily Star opined (2/26): "Abdullah's trial balloon was powered by the same premise that first breathed life into Madrid and Oslo: land for peace. But that is no shield against the vast arsenals of those who support the notion that peace can only be arrived at by officially surrendering on paper what Israeli arms have already conquered on the battlefield. Abdullah's foreign policy adviser, Adel Jubeir, has therefore expressed his personal disappointment at the skepticism expressed by some Israelis and Americans in this regard.... Some of the extremists who shape public opinion in the U.S....have launched a new propaganda campaign aimed at discrediting the Saudi effort by a combination of nitpicking and misinformation. The Abdullah proposal, they claim, contains insufficient detail. This is disingenuous in light of Israel's obsessive insistence, with U.S. backing, on leaving details for the end of the peace process."
"Prince Abdullah's Proposal"
Samir Atallah asked in moderate, anti-Syrian An-Nahar (2/20): "Why did Prince Abdullah launch this initiative now?... Ever since the September 11 attacks, Saudi Arabia has been trying to keep the ghost of war away from the whole region: from Iran, Iraq, and Palestine.
Saudi Arabia realizes that after September 11 the Middle East ceased to be a narrow geographical area. It became a boundless political state of affairs...[defined by] a suicide attack in New York, a network of caves in Tora Bora, and bloody demonstrations in Jakarta.... Prince Abdullah is trying to bring back to the region a tendency for negotiations."
"A Test For America"
Rafiq Khoury declared in centrist Al-Anwar (2/19): "Prince Abdullah's initiative...is a reflection of the Madrid conference. In fact, it is an extension of the Saudi line of thinking that started during the Fez Summit in the early eighties through Prince Fahd's project, then developed to become the basis for a formula that was engineered by James Baker: 'Land for peace.' It is also a reflection of the late President Assad's position 'full peace for full withdrawal'.... The new development lies in the fact that Saudi Arabia is testing this initiative, with the idea that it would be adopted during the prospective Beirut summit.... Such an initiative places before Europe and the U.S. a difficult test. At the same time, it gives them a tool that can be utilized to influence Israeli public opinion and exert pressure on Sharon."
"Contemplating Prince Abdullah's Vision,"
An editorial by Fouad Matar in pro-Sunni Al-Liwa' held (2/20): "Had the American administration, which is full of Zionists, reviewed in depth Prince Abdullah's initiative, it would have realized that this initiative is in fact a life-saver for America's reputation. Prince Abdullah's remarks are actually old in spirit, but new in timing.... Prince Abdullah has become...a spokesman for every Arab."
MOROCCO: "Peres Welcomes Proposal"
Medi-1, semi-independent radio with an audience of about 25 million, headlined (2/27), "Shimon Peres welcomes the Saudi proposal."
"Race Against The Clock"
In the words of Government coalition, French-language, Istiqlal Party L'Opinion (2/22): "The statement made by Prince Abdullah to the New York Times is extremely important if we take into account the timing. The Palestinian resistance has never before been so tense and so efficient in the face of Israeli occupation, and has been focused on the occupied territories, not Israel. That puts the resistance in accordance with international laws and UN resolutions that do not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the territories. Prince Abdullah's initiative has come at a time where both Europe and the U.S. seem to have adopted the Israeli position. With this proposal, the Arab world offers peace and security to Israel that neither Sharon nor his predecessors could bring."
QATAR: "Israel Should Grab This Chance"
Semi-independent Arabic-language Al-Raya held (2/27): "The Israelis are up to their tricks. They support the Saudi initiative and immediately want to begin bilateral talks with the Saudis.... The Americans began a campaign supporting and praising Saudi Arabia for its brave stance. But Saudi Arabia will not accept isolation from the Arab consensus and they will not accept the transformation of the Arab-Israeli conflict into Israeli-Saudi bilateral talks. Israel should grab this opportunity and not work against it. The Saudi initiative is providing the basis for a real peace in the region.... Arabs will only accept full normalization for full withdrawal--anything less than that is out of the question."
"Take It Or Leave It"
Hassan Younis, columnist, semi-independent Arabic-language Al-Watan (2/27): "The Saudi initiative has received wide-ranging support. Even the Americans are asking Israel to seriously consider the Saudi proposal. We believe that this offer from Saudi Arabia and the Arabs is Israel's (last) chance to prove that it is a country of peace. The Israelis should not play with words. They have 'invited' Prince Abdullah to Israel to discuss the initiative, and their Defense Minister has come out in support of the proposal. However, they have not officially announced their acceptance of the initiative. Israel has to act with responsibility in this matter by either taking the offer or refusing it."
"Saudi Prince's Proposals Welcomed By Washington And Israel"
Qatari TV satellite channel Al Jazeera reported (2/27): "President Bush welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah's proposals to offer peace and normalization with Israel in exchange for Israel's full withdrawal from all Arab occupied territories."
"Friedman--The Right Message"
Columnist Faisal Batout wrote in semi-independent Al-Watan (2/20): "Tom Friedman's latest editorial on Saudi Crown Prince Abdallah's initiative delivered the right message to both Tel Aviv and Washington. Israelis should grasp this chance by their teeth if they want Israel to have 'a place under the sun.' Washington, on the other hand, should work its magic by being fair and by encouraging Israel to seriously consider the Saudi initiative. Friedman's editorial might end up being a catalyst to solving a 50-year-old conflict once and for all."
SYRIA: "As The Arab Summit Approaches"
Bassam Hashem, a commentator in government-owned Al-Ba'th, wrote (2/27): "The countdown for the Arab summit has already started.... The U.S., the EU and UN have expressed desire to attend the summit. It seems that Arab concerns [in the summit] will not take their final shape until after President Mubarak's visit to Washington and the finalization of preliminary consultations that will precede Arab experts and Foreign Ministers' meetings immediately before the summit. The difficulty of achieving progress, with Sharon in power, has become obvious. The U.S. administration realizes this truth. The EU has held Sharon directly responsible for leading the region towards catastrophe. Even Israeli citizens and army soldiers complained.... Sharon has become a burden; no one can deny that events in the Palestinian territories have taken the shape of a personal challenge on the basis of his memories, frustrations and psychological complexes."
TUNISIA: "Don't Provide Sharon With A Life Boat"
Co-editor-in-chief Fatma Karray made this point in independent Ash-Shourouq (2/27): "It is nice to see the Arab mind moving in order to improve the conditions in Palestine and to lighten the suffering caused by the barbarian colonization of the Palestinian individual. It is also nice to see the Arab politician using maneuvers and spreading confusion among the allied ranks, who joined forces to abort Palestinian rights and bury the Palestinian dream of establishing a free and independent state.... But the nicest of all is when the Arab environment knows how to deal with this initiative and how to discuss it in order not to let this political action become a life boat for Sharon.... The Israeli maneuver in dealing with the Saudi initiative is clear.... The Israeli prime minister is trying to escape it and asks for a dialogue with the Saudi administration. As for Washington, the welcome came only concerning the first part of the initiative which deals with the Arab normalization with Israel, but prefers leaving the issue of Israeli withdrawal to the Israeli and the Palestinian parties to deal with. It is very simple, Washington sent the entire colonialization file...to an imbalanced arena that unites victim and victimizer."
"It is Time To Adopt The Plan For Division"
Senior Editor M. Ben Ammar wrote in independent French-language Le Quotidien (2/24): "Crown Prince Abdullah's initiative for a total withdrawal from the occupied territories within the UN resolution agreement, including full normalization with Israel by Arabs in return, had positive echoes both on the Arab side and elsewhere. Certain Israeli parties...have qualified this initiative as 'interesting and positive' and even 'daring', although the Crown Prince's initiative only synthesizes all the UN resolutions agreed upon but not carried out. Nevertheless, we note here a new element,... which is the party that initiated it. It is important to point out that Arab countries have never formulated a coherent proposal that touches upon all the aspects of the issue, nor have they adopted a common approach. Rather, they have left the responsibility and the choice of solutions to others and in particular to the U.S.. This is why the Saudi initiative takes on such importance. On a second level, the proposal comes from a country that has weight in the region and on the international level; one considered to be the chief of the moderate countries and an unconditional friend of the U.S.. It is appropriate to recall that the first peace proposal, of direct pertinence and historical dimension, was one to return to the UN resolution to divide up, which constituted the official birth of the Israeli state."
EUROPE
BRITAIN: "Light In A Blind Alley"
According to an editorial in the independent Financial Times (2/27): "Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah proposed that the Arab world should offer Israel full normalisation of relations in return for withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The response to this initiative was at first slow but has gathered speed as its potential to relaunch the Middle East peace process has been recognised.... In the U.S., Colin Powell has described it as an 'important step,' while George W. Bush yesterday praised the proposal. There are many obstacles to such a deal, including the unwillingness of Israelis to endorse total withdrawal and Arab suspicions that they would be sold short. It would also require some deft repositioning by Ariel Sharon...who has always resisted conceding territory.... Sharon's strategy of demanding an end to violence before negotiations has left the peace process at the mercy of suicide bombers and other Palestinian militants. Arafat is unable to deliver his side of any bargain and is losing support to more radical elements as the Israeli bombardment of Palestinian areas continues. Given this background, and given the growing realisation among Israelis that their government's current policies are leading nowhere, the Saudi initiative offers an opportunity to shift the peace process into new territory. Until now, Washington has backed Sharon, urging an end to the violence as a precondition for confidence-building and subsequent negotiations. Bush's remarks yesterday suggest that he too sees Abdullah's initiative as a ray of light in an otherwise gloomy landscape."
FRANCE: "Growing Support For Saudi Plan"
Luc de Barochez opined in right-of-center Le Figaro (2/27): "Suddenly, diplomacy has returned to the Middle East...even if the Saudi plan is only reiterating the implementation of the principle 'land for peace' initiated by the UN decades ago.... In spite of their limitations, and possibly because of them, the Saudi proposals are overwhelmingly appealing. In the hopeless context of the Middle East conflict they have come at a crucial moment. For everyone involved they have the guise of salvation, even if each side is focusing only on what is most appealing.... The ball is now in Sharon's court."
"Reasons To Hope"
Bernard Guetta told listeners on government-run France Inter radio (2/27): "The success of the Saudi plan lies in the overwhelming support it has received, including from Hamas. Even the most radical groups have welcomed the crown prince's initiative. More importantly, after Cairo
and the EU, it is Bush's support for the plan that must be noted.... Not a single voice has been raised against it.... Surprises may still come from the Israeli right and Sharon, who are violently opposed to a divided Jerusalem. Also, the U.S. is not yet fully committed to the plan.... But there are several reasons why the world may be allowed to hope. Among them, the fact that after such success, Saudi Arabia cannot back out...and that the plan gives Sharon an out, extricating him from a face-to-face negotiation with Arafat."
"Saudi Plan Shakes the Middle East"
Jose Garcon observed in left-of-center Liberation (2/27): "The offer could not go unnoticed considering the personality of crown Prince Abdallah.... He can legitimately boast of having injected new life to diplomacy in the Middle East, an initiative which Bush is openly supporting. The U.S. position, which until now remained extremely reserved, was dictated by Washington's Arab allies, such as Jordan and Egypt.... As for Saudi Arabia, it has clearly reached its objective: easing relations between Riyadh and Washington after the September 11 attacks."
GERMANY: "Under Pressure"
Klaus-Dieter Frankenberger judged in center-right Frankfurter Allgemeine (2/27): "No matter how much hope one may pin on the peace initiative put forward by Crown Prince Abdullah, the fact that it is the Saudis--of all people--who are now trying to break the cycle of violence between the Palestinians and Israelis speaks volumes with regard to both the prevailing mood among the leadership in Riyadh and the stability of the entire region. Saudi Arabia and its former protector have drifted apart. And because the U.S.' most important client in the Persian Gulf region has turned out to be part of the problem rather than part of the solution in the war against terrorism, many in Washington now openly criticize what security interests and oil once forced them to ignore: the regime's corruption, its deceit, and its financing of radical Islamists.... Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are both having to review their relations. Pluralism at home and a greater sense of responsibility abroad could help Riyadh get Washington off its back and take the precaution needed to prevent a regional conflagration."
"Strategizing"
Left-of-center Frankfurter Rundschau observed (2/27): "Israel will not agree to returning to its 1967 borders, because it would mean giving up the settlements in the occupied territories. If, however, the Arab League integrates the Saudi plan into its program, including the recognition of Israel and the guarantee for its safety, the proposal is worth a look. Foreign Minister Peres is reviewing the proposal, but a review is not an agreement. Sharon's request that the U.S. contact the Saudis makes it look as if the Israeli premier wants to isolate Saudi Arabia before the Arabs can reach a common decision. It is questionable whether Abdullah was motivated by a desire for peace or by other concerns. U.S. plans to topple Saddam and maybe use U.S. troops stationed in Saudi Arabia for that mission could also be a reason for the Crown Prince's action. Arab resistance to such a scenario might in the end topple the Saudi regime. Looking like a peace advocate...could buy the Saudis time. Maybe that is all."
ITALY: "Bush Says 'Yes' To The Saudi Plan"
A report by Jerusalem correspondent Enrico Franceschini in left-leaning, influential La Repubblica held (2/27): "What Egyptian President Sadat proposed in his speech to the Israeli parliament in 1977 is, after all, similar to what Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah is proposing now: Israel's withdrawal to the borders that existed before the '67 war and the creation of an independent Palestine, in exchange for peace. The difference is that Sadat was speaking on behalf of Egypt while, twenty years later, Abdullah is speaking on behalf of the entire Arab world, proposing a peaceful coexistence among Israel and the 22 countries of the Arab League, many of which have already endorsed his initiative.... It certainly seems unlikely that the countries most hostile to Israel, like Iraq and Libya, would accept the Saudi proposal, even in
principle. And some believe that Abdullah aims, most of all, at freeing his reign from the September 11 'syndrome,' stemming from the fact that bin Laden and most of the terrorists involved in the attacks against America came from Saudi Arabia."
"Middle East, Peace Comes From Mecca"
Alberto Pasolini Zanelli asserted in pro-government, leading center-right Il Giornale (2/27): "The hope that has spread around the world over the last few hours is as unlikely as it is intense. There are no certainties about the outcome (of the Saudi peace plan)...but an agreement on Palestine has suddenly become possible again--possible or, at least, conceivable. It was inconceivable, until a few days ago, that certain countries could have agreed that the Saudi initiative was, at a minimum, 'a good idea' worthy exploring. Among those who support it or have at least refrained from expressing a 'no' in principle, are all the leaders of the key countries in the eternal Middle East crisis--from Saudi Arabia to America, Egypt, Syria, indirectly the Palestinians and, albeit with many reservations, Israel.... And Europe, that has always been a mediator, is not surprisingly embarking gladly in this operation: 'foreign minister' Solana is leaving for Jeddah today. And, finally, Washington has expressed its position--first through the 'doves' led by the usual Powell, and later with a White House official statement. Everybody is more or less applauding the Saudi initiative and all have declared their commitment to trying to make concrete a project that is 20 years old."
"Israel Tempted By The Saudi Plan"
Guido Olimpio filed from Jerusalem in centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera (2/27): "A proposal--not a new one and not even a detailed one--was enough to finally stir the muddy waters of the Middle East. The well-founded fear of collective disaster prompted a majority of the players to endorse it, turning Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah, a rigid conservative, into the man of openings. Abdullah yesterday received a phone call from George Bush, who sang the 'praise' of his plan. And the Russians did the same, while EU 'foreign minister' Solana decided to make an unexpected visit to Riyadh to meet with Abdullah tomorrow. A mission announced after Solana's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon, who said he was 'interested' in the Saudi proposals and that he was ready to meet with Saudi officials any time. In sum, almost a mediation."
"The Spanish Diplomat And The Saudi Prince"
An editorial in elite, classical liberal Il Foglio read (2/27): "The novelty is not in the Saudi proposal per se, but in its timing and also in the special authoritativeness...of the dynasty that is making it. If the Saudis decide to join the game, it means that there is nothing else to do.... The situation is what it is. Arafat has lost the power of negotiating alone with Sharon, of whom he is now a prisoner, and a terrible stalemate has developed. Bush's speech on the evil axis, and the dissuasive plans regarding Saddam Hussein's Iraq, suggest that this is the last straw. And Saudi Arabia, on which the overall equilibrium of the Middle East area and the Islamic world is based, is proposing a strategy to defuse this time-bomb.... The Saudi peace plan is all the more important the more opaque the Saudis' position in the wake of the attack on the Twin Towers has been. Arafat, Bush and Sharon have clearly indicated their endorsement in principle of the resumption of peace negotiations along the lines proposed by Abdullah.... At this point we can only hope that Europe, without which the Palestinian Authority would not even exist, will be able to speak with a single voice and authoritatively."
RUSSIA: "Israelis Urge Sharon To Heed Saudis' Proposal"
Boris Petrovich said in reformist Noviye Izvestiya (2/27): "Normalization with the Arabs has always been a top priority with the Israelis. The Saudis' proposal changes a lot, as Yasser Arafat, who has had credibility problems with more than just the Israeli rightists, gets a strong negotiator behind him. Not surprisingly, the Israelis, worn down by a slack war with the
Palestinians, have reacted emotionally to Riyadh's initiative. The leading Israeli newspapers urge the Sharon government to consider it seriously."
BELGIUM: "A Possible Breakthrough"
Foreign affairs writer Ludwig De Vocht judged in financial De Financieel-Economische Tijd (2/27): "The peace proposal that Abdullah launched in the New York Times on February 17 is beginning to get an international dimension and may lead to a breakthrough at the Arab League summit in Beirut.... Some believe that the Saudi peace proposal....was the result of U.S. pressure. According to this version, the Saudis must get rid of their bad name after it became clear that the majority of the September 11 terrorists had the Saudi nationality.... The crucial question is to what extent Saudi Arabia is willing to make concessions regarding the execution of the UN resolutions--which call for Israel's withdrawal from the territories that it occupied in 1967. If the Saudis stick to the implementation of those resolutions, their initiative will be a dead-born child.... If the Saudis show some flexibility--as suggested by Israel--the crown prince's proposal may lead to a definitive peace accord.... In the coming four weeks it will become clear how successful this recent peace initiative is.... The Arab summit in Beirut may become a milestone in the history of the Middle East. If the Saudi proposal appears to be unfeasible, the summit will be nothing else than the umpteenth missed opportunity."
CZECH REPUBLIC: "Saudi Proposal"
Petr Pravda argued in center-right MFDnes (2/27): "The crisis in the Middle East between Israel and Palestinians is so serious that basically any peace plan has to be taken seriously now. It is necessary to perceive the surprising proposal...in this way too. Israel and America too don't wish anything but that somebody influential from the Arab world would intervene in this matter.... It is essential to take it seriously, but at the same time it should not be overestimated."
IRELAND: "The Middle East"
The liberal Irish Times observed (2/27): "He [Crown Prince Abdullah] may not have anticipated the immediately positive response it would receive in Israel, Europe and the Arab world, which has now grown to take in a much more favourable response by the U.S.. President Bush yesterday telephoned the Saudi leader to congratulate him...Some further details have been revealed about the Saudi proposal which will not appeal to the Israeli government. They include an end to Israeli settlements in the occupied territories and shared jurisdiction over Jerusalem. But the Israeli public have clearly begun to tire of the endless military conflict resulting from Mr Sharon's policies. They have completely failed to deliver the security he promised when he came to power a year ago.... This potential breakthrough vindicates those who have insisted that political and security initiatives must go hand in hand and may be the last chance to retrieve a negotiated settlement."
POLAND: "The Saudi Offer"
Ryszard Malik wrote in centrist Rzeczpospolita (2/27): "As usual, the devil is in the details.... What is important is that for the first time Saudi Arabia...joined in the diplomatic offensive. With due respect, the voice from Riyadh weighs more than proposals from Beirut, Dubai, or even Tunis. The Saudi royal family, which had had some problem in defining its position in relations with Washington after September 11, set out to restore peace. Israel received this offer very cordially, so there may appear to be an opportunity to lay down rifles and start talks."
EAST ASIA/PACIFIC
CHINA (HONG KONG SAR): "Who Can Mediate Bloody Mideast Conflict?"
Independent Chinese-language Sing Pao Daily News noted (2/27): "The bloodshed in the Middle East has intensified and a peaceful solution between Israel and Palestine is not within the foreseeable future. The moderate Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah who is inclined to the U.S. suggested a peaceful solution yesterday, hoping Israel will return the land it seized to exchange for peace. The worsening of the situation in the Middle East is the result of U.S. President George W. Bush's hawkish hard-line stance."
SOUTH ASIA
INDIA: "Will The Middle Eas Peace Plan Work?"
Sunanda K. Datta-Ray wrote in business-oriented Business Line (2/27): "Crown Prince Abdalla of Saudi Arabia's wise proposal for reconciliation between the Arabs and Israel serves two-fold purpose. It is a belated reminder that the Palestinians are not alone in their suffering. It also calls the bluff of an Israel whose strategy seems to be to provoke Palestinian retaliation so that the peace process can by destroyed and the West Bank annexed.... It is a measure of Washington's pragmatism that not even the fact that 15 of the 19 men involved in the Terror Tuesday atrocities were Saudi subjects has affected relations between Washington and Riyadh. It is in America's interest to persuade Sharon not to deliberately provoke the Arabs by rebuffing the Saudi initiative."
PAKISTAN: "The Saudi Offer"
The centrist, national News commented (2/27): "The magnanimous Saudi offer to recognize Israel would be the ultimate prize any Israeli government could dream of.... Peres has taken an unusually rigid position that indicates Tel Aviv's strategy to say 'yes' and 'diplomatically' sabotage the prospect for long-term peace in the Middle East. Peres' call for 'unconditional' direct talks subtly rejects Abdullah's 'conditional' offer. On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Sharon has sought American help in arranging a meeting with the Saudis to discuss the Abdullah proposal that is increasingly gaining popularity among the Arab states and has been welcomed by the UN and U.S. All sides appear to be taking their initial negotiating positions at this time and this may be a sign that serious dialogue could be round the corner. Israel will have to overcome its internal differences and keep its hawks under control if the Saudi initiative is to take off. This may probably be the last opportunity for Israel to seriously negotiate a deal with the Arabs."
"Positive Saudi Initiative"
The center-right, national Nation opined (2/27): "Washington should actively pursue the Saudi initiative as a friend of both countries. For those who worry about a sell-out, it should be noted that each major Arab initiative, such as Camp David and the Oslo Accord, led to some progress, though it did not entirely solve the situation. While a Saudi initiative may not achieve the total results hoped for, it should mark some progress.... Coming from an Arab country enjoying a formidable clout with the Muslim world, the move has a potential of success, if Tel Aviv can be made to see reason. It would pave the way for Israel to normalize relations with those Muslim countries that still reject it."
"Let The Saudi Initiative Succeed"
Leading, mass circulation Jang editorialized (2/27): "Any positive development on the Saudi suggestion seems conditional to a realistic change in the pro-Israeli posture of the U.S. President George Bush and his administration. If President Bush continues his pro-Israeli
policies all the time and every time and keeps on ignoring its atrocities towards the Arab territories, then these fresh Saudi peace initiatives will not make progress. By brining about a change in its old policy, Saudi Arabia has put forth these suggestions which could bring about a revolution in the politics of the Middle East."
WESTERN HEMISPHERE
ARGENTINA: "A Change Of Image For Riyadh"
Maria Laura Avignolo wrote from paris for leading Clarin (2/26): "At a truly desperate time in Palestine and in view of an inevitable war, Saudi Arabia's peace proposal to Israel appears like a dream.... It is not clear yet if this peace agreement implies that East Jerusalem will be the capital of a new Palestinian State. But, obviously, this settles the groundwork for a new diplomatic round in this bloody conflict.... The Saudi peace plan is not an innocent project. It is the first step of the Royal House aimed at changing its image vis-a-vis U.S. public opinion, after the September 11 attacks in which 15 of the kidnappers were from south Saudi Arabia and in view of the tension between the two countries which almost led to the expulsion of U.S. troops from Saudi Arabia."
BRAZIL: "Gordian Knot"
Independent Jornal do Brasil asserted (2/27): "The proposal of the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince...is without a doubt the most important one in the Middle East since Anwar Sadat's trip to Jerusalem in 1977.... The proposal has fallen on fertile ground from Egypt to the U.S. passing through the Palestine Autority, the Arab Emirates and Bahrain.... By coincidence the peace initiative takes place at the same time that the Saudi daily Al Hayat--launches the idea of putting an end to the 'Fatwas' of death--cousins of the suicidal attacks that put the world under permanent tension--in the name of Islam. They must not only be condemned but also incriminated because they sow disregard for human life in the Moslems collective conscience.... It's time to resume the peace process and to forget the attempts to unleash a worldwide religious war. It's time for dialog."
"Light In The Quagmire"
Liberal Folha de S. Paulo editorial (2/27) opined: "Finally there's a proposal capable of breaking the logjam and changing the 'kill and die' logic between Israelis and Palestinians.... What is new in the Saudi Arabian proposal is its comprehensiveness. One thing is to exchange territories for peace with Palestinians only. Another, theoretically much more satisfactory for Israel, is to return the occupied territories in order to have peace with all its neighbors and all the Arab nations. Of course, the proposal needs further clarification. The main one: is the Saudi Arabian prince speaking also on behalf of Saddam Hussein's Iraq and Iran? It is reasonable to suppose that such doubts will be resolved only after the Arab Summit scheduled for late March in Beirut. Until then, it is up to Israel to nurture the Saudi idea so that it does not die. It may have many imperfections, but is the only one in many months that at least in theory allows breaking the cycle of violence, responding to the Palestinians' legitimate wishes, and consequently discouraging radical groups on both sides.... The alternative is the perpetuation of the conflict."
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