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Source: http://www.nysun.com/article/64189
Removing the Time Cap
[New York Sun] Hillel Halkin - Summits, as is well known in the diplomatic trade, should never be counted on to negotiate anything. Indeed the only good reason for summits, as the diplomats also know, is to provide gala occasions for celebrating what negotiations have already concluded. Negotiating and deadlines do not go well together. When two sides negotiate under time pressure, time itself inevitably becomes a weapon in the hands of one, if not both, and is used to bludgeon the other into submission. The Palestinians are telling Israel that they are not coming to the conference at all unless agreement has been reached on the core issues "in principle," if not in precise detail. And if Israel doesn't agree, concede, or accept? Then, say the Palestinians, we're not coming to the Annapolis party - and George and Condi aren't going to like that one bit. The Palestinians also demand that Israel must agree in advance to set a six-month time limit on how long negotiations will take. And if negotiations take longer? Presumably, we then can have the pleasure of another intifada.