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Settlement Freeze Improves U.S.-Israel Relations

(Jerusalem Post) Barry Rubin - The U.S.-Israel agreement on freezing construction in West Bank settlements represents a considerable, well-crafted, albeit unilateral, concession by Israel. The U.S. government praised the decision; it was pretty much what President Obama has been trying to obtain for nine months and has worked hard to negotiate. But it will have no impact whatsoever. On the contrary, the Palestinians and the Arab states will complain that it isn't enough and that they have more demands. In giving something in exchange for no material gain or even a gesture from the other side, Israel can only hope that the president appreciates this and remembers that he did not deliver on his promise to get some concession from the Arab side to match it.
2009-11-30 09:26:03
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