Following the failure of linking direct talks between Israel and the Palestine Authority, Obama has decided to remove this precondition which became an end in itself and therefor another obstacle to peace talks. Secretary Clinton has signalled that Mitchell will return to the Middle east and once again begin the laborious shuttle diplomacy he practised before.
As an optimist I believe this will bear fruit and eventually common sense will prevail given that some goodwill can still be found on both sides. The complaint of many Israeli commentators that the blunt rejection by the PA leaders to direct talks because Israel would not renew the moratorium was simply rejectionist, is in my view partly correct. It seems to be a "haggling" tool to press for maximum concessions at the start of negotiations. However they also complain that several israeli Governments have made promises publicly and to the USA, which Israel did not abide by.
There is in my opinion no alternative to the two state solution, and this struggle between Zionism and Pan-Arabism, which has already continued for 150 years will only abate after the Palestinian state is established. It is time for israel and the Jewish Diaspora to embrace this task and help the palestinians reach their goal quickly, for our sakes as much as theirs.
To get more from opinion, click here to sign up for our free Editor's Picks newsletter.