A controversial view of Israel-Palestine

A new addition to my website: main points from a discussion with a prominent and experienced middle east analyst, with extensive contacts in both the Israeli and Palestinian camps, who challenges the received wisdom on where Ariel Sharon, Israel’s prime minister, stands in the political spectrum, whether President Bush’s policy pronouncements really do depart significantly from the Clinton principles, and whether Israel is weaker or stronger, and the prospects for a settlement rosier or dimmer, as a result of the Iraq war and the Israeli defensive fence. All temperate and courteously expressed comments on and reactions to the views expressed there, either by me or by the respected middle east analyst, are welcome and can be posted here by clicking on Comments, below this. But these issues arouse strong emotions, so please exercise restraint!

Brian
6 October 04