who knows?
Reader comment on item: What's Wrong With Annapolis

Submitted by John W McGinley (United States), Dec 7, 2007 at 11:20

Chances are that you and all those who think that "Annapolis" was still-born are correct. Still, there are things to consider.

Just possibly the large picture geo-politcal realities are such that "Annapolis" just might work. Strange tidings are in the air these days and traditional wisdom may prove foolhardy. Also -- not unlike the United States in this regard -- Israel has such overwhelmingly greater military power compared to the Palestinians and their Muslim supporters that it, Israel, can afford to allow imprecision of discourse in the service of launching a possibility. It will become clear in the next month whether or not "Annapolis" was indeed still-born. If it was, then Israel has not yet committed itself to anything which would damage its security or standing. If it turns out that "Annapolis" is still breathing by that time and actually has a chance of succeeding, imprecision of discourse will have turned out to have been a small price to pay.

The 800-pound gorilla in the Middle East is still Israel. "Annapolis" still-born or "Annapolis" breathing will not change that reality. This is the ultimate safety net and it's still in place.

John W. McGinley

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