Bush Not Accepting Palestinian Reality

Bush has said he wants to create a true Palestinian State that is at peace with Israel before he leaves office next January. But he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of doing that the way he's going about it. There is a flaw in his personality that will prevent it.

Bush absolutely refuses to talk to anyone he doesn't like (and he doesn't like the leaders of Hamas). Bush is trying to push talks between the more moderate Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, and the Israelis. This is fine with the Israelis who share Bush's flaw.

The problem is that Abbas does not control all of Palestine. Gaza is controlled by Hamas, who were elected by the people there. Hamas is also very powerful in the parts of Palestine led by Abbas. Hamas simply can't be shut out of any settlement talks.

Whether Bush and Israel like it or not, any agreement reached without the approval of Hamas will be worthless. Hamas cannot be forced to accept a treaty they had no part in negotiating.

But there is an opportunity right now to approach Hamas and try to include them in the negotiating. Hamas has offered a 6-month truce. If the truce is accepted, and they are shown some respect by including them in the talks, there is a chance that a real agreement could be reached.

However, I don't think this old dog can learn a new trick. Bush has never talked with people he didn't like, and I doubt he will be able to do so now. That one fact will prevent any progress toward peace.