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Source: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1649451,00.html
Slow Going for Rice
[TIME] Tim McGirk - It is becoming something of a tradition for U.S. presidents, during their waning months in office, to seal their legacy by trying to solve the Arab-Israeli conflict. The stony political landscape has changed, for the worse, since Rice made her last pilgrimage to the region five months ago. The Islamist militants of Hamas now control Gaza, having chased away the armed forces of Mahmoud Abbas - a man heartily championed by the White House, although less so by the Israelis, and openly despised by most Palestinians who see him as a puppet made to dance by the U.S. and the Israelis. The Saudis made clear that they will show up at a U.S.-sponsored summit this fall only if it is aimed at discussing the "core issues" that stand in the way of a settlement. Israeli officials have made no secret of their reluctance to discuss the most contentious issues at this stage. Israelis doubt that Abbas, especially after his defeat in Gaza, can deliver on promises to curb attacks on Israel from inside the Palestinian territories. Rice promised Abbas $80 million to improve the training and capability of his feckless security forces. But throwing money and bullet-proof vests at Abbas' security forces may not help him overcome his most dangerous weakness - the loyalty of his men is doubtful. Efforts to bolster his forces through recruitment are also struggling.