I am constantly reminded of the powerful psychological wall between West and East Jerusalem. Jewish drivers are often unwilling to make the trip. A couple of observations The leaders in the Middle East are aging. Next year could see King Hussein, Hafez Al-Asad and others leave the scene. And there is a new generation tired of the old battles, passions for revenge, and incessant bickering.
None are seriously approachable without peace and justice.
The sooner the region can cope with its problems in collaboration with each other, the sooner the younger generation has a chance to improve their lot. The Clinton-Arafat Palestinian State Shell Game All of this information bears on what has happened during the last week. Clinton's speech was easily the strongest statement an American President has ever made acknowledging Palestinian suffering and rights. Clinton went on to seemingly equate the plight of Palestinians with that of Israelis, heresy to the thinking of many Israelis. The sum total of this symbolism was an indelible affirmation of Palestinian national aspirations.