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Israeli Prime Minister Improving Conditions for Palestinians - and Prospects for Peace
(Globe and Mail-Canada) Patrick Martin - When it comes to making peace, no matter what initiative he announces or policy he implements, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is usually met with criticism from all sides. Yet a closer look reveals a concerted effort to make real inroads. Driving through the towns of the West Bank, one can see and feel the difference. The cities of Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah and Hebron all display new-found vitality. Jenin has become a shopping destination for Israeli Arabs. Nablus' historic market is packed with Palestinians from all over the West Bank. Ramallah and Hebron are bustling cities where people enjoy normal lives. The reason is the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers in recent months and the elimination of many of the checkpoints between Palestinian communities. When Netanyahu was elected in February, he played down the importance of endless negotiations and urged what he called an economic peace, a simple improvement in the daily lives of Palestinians. Daily life is a lot better than it has been for years. On Wednesday, Netanyahu announced a 10-month freeze on construction in Israeli settlements in the West Bank - another move in the direction of peace.