Does Anyone Believe Obama Is an Ally to Israel?

The Arab countries, they say, believe they have already made their best offer and that it is now up to Israel to make a gesture, perhaps by dismantling settlements in the West Bank or committing to a two-state solution.

While not dismissing the possibility of some movement on the peace process, the Saudis say the Arab world made substantial concessions in the Arab Peace Initiative, which was endorsed by a 22-nation coalition during an Arab League summit in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2002. That proposal offered full recognition of Israel in exchange for Israel’s withdrawing to its 1967 borders and agreeing to a “just settlement” to the issue of the Palestinian refugees.

Giving Israel "full recognition" does not mean much when you still wish to annihilate it.

No one here is predicting a breakthrough in the Arab-Israeli conflict; but with the president at least talking about criticizing Israel over its settlement policy and with his personal popularity relatively high, there is a hint of optimism.

The wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round . . .