(JTA) Matthew E. Berger - Analysts say the chances are slim that the U.S. will bring new energy to the Quartet's "road map" for progress in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after the Israelis pick their new prime minister next week. In Washington, the road map is viewed as a nonstarter, essentially dead until other foreign policy priorities, especially U.S. military action against Iraq, are completed. Analysts believe the Bush administration is keeping talk of the road map alive largely to keep European and Arab nations on board prior to U.S. military action against Iraq. "It's perfectly clear that the majority of the Quartet is not that concerned about Israel, to put it mildly," said former U.S. ambassador to the UN Jeane Kirkpatrick. "I think they should not be permitted to take over negotiations," she added.
2003-01-23 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive