Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, again

There are some factors that may make the situation less unpromising than this analysis suggests.

The Palestinians have lost something - Soviet support - and gained something: a functioning economy and an improved security force in the West Bank. They actually have something to lose this time, the hope of continued improvements.

Israel will soon have its Iron Dome in place for defense against Hamas rockets, which together with the reliable security provided by trained West Bank forces should improve Israel's self-confidence.

But if Israel already has a peace of some kind, what's to compel it to exchange land - those Settlements - for more security? Maybe the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran is what's sending the Israelis to the table? Every belligerent move Iran makes these days improves the Palestinians' chances of getting a deal (maybe leaving the details for Gaza for another day and another U.S. president).

And while Netanyahu's coalition government may well fall apart over the question of the Settlements, there's still Tsipi Livni's Kadima out there, and while she refused to go into government with Netanyahu originally, she may be willing to come on board once a settlement (small s) appears within reach.

There are some factors that may make the situation less unpromising than this analysis suggests.

The Palestinians have lost something - Soviet support - and gained something: a functioning economy and an improved security force in the West Bank. They actually have something to lose this time, the hope of continued improvements.

Israel will soon have its Iron Dome in place for defense against Hamas rockets, which together with the reliable security provided by trained West Bank forces should improve Israel's self-confidence.

But if Israel already has a peace of some kind, what's to compel it to exchange land - those Settlements - for more security? Maybe the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran is what's sending the Israelis to the table? Every belligerent move Iran makes these days improves the Palestinians' chances of getting a deal (maybe leaving the details for Gaza for another day and another U.S. president).

And while Netanyahu's coalition government may well fall apart over the question of the Settlements, there's still Tsipi Livni's Kadima out there, and while she refused to go into government with Netanyahu originally, she may be willing to come on board once a settlement (small s) appears within reach.