Talk

"I don't think any movement is going to take place as long as the fundamental rules are not observed - which means that if you don't talk to the principal parties, nothing much will be accomplished," he said.

"Neither the Palestinian Authority nor the Egyptian government can provide any leverage over the situation in [Hamas-run] Gaza.

"Mitchell already had a previous mission in the Middle East and it did not amount to much, so I don't know what he will do now. As long as there is no political will in the United States to work seriously in promoting the Arab peace initiative [on Israeli-Palestinian relations], I don't think a lot will be accomplished."

These are the words of Ziad Hafez, managing editor of the journal Contemporary Arab Affairs on Mitchell's appointment and current tour. Let's hope he is wrong, but really, so far no good. I think the commonsense of the people says yes, let all lead players negotiate. The cynicism of politics has a lot invested in the turmoil in the area, and from having a ready scapegoat. Meanwhile, people die and live miserable lives, in a decreasing area of land (open air prisons) with more and more restrictions. And obviously, reaction to this is going to spill over into the lives of other people, as well.