Asked in the early 1970s whether The Beatles would ever get back together, Paul McCartney memorably answered: “You can’t reheat a soufflé.” Unfortunately, McCartney’s fluffy culinary metaphor may apply equally to the Middle East peace process.
It would be an understatement to say expectations are low for the “proximity talks” that may or may not get off the ground this weekend. Israeli and Palestinian leaders will negotiate separately with the US mediator George Mitchell, unable to agree even on the preconditions that would allow them to meet face to face. Both sides know they’re too far apart on issues ranging from Palestinian independence and borders to control of Jerusalem and the fate of refugees to reach a deal.
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