Now For The Carrot

I've said many times that Hamas and Fatah shouldn't get a dime from the U.S. until they recognize Israel. It appears that they might have taken the first step, and if this is legit, then we need to do our part and end sanctions and keep our word.

(AP) The rival Hamas and Fatah movements agreed on a plan implicitly recognizing Israel, a top Palestinian official said Tuesday after weeks of acrimonious negotiations aiming to lift crippling international aid sanctions.

Moderate President Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah has been trying to coax his Hamas rivals into endorsing the document, which calls for a Palestinian state alongside Israel, in effect recognizing the Jewish state.

This is as important as a peaceful Iraq. Many of the problems we face in the Middle East stem from the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Territories. A peaceful Palestine and Israel, side by side, will translate into a more peaceful Middle East.