Can US-Israel talks bring progress?

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has arrived to Washington in a bid to win US support for his controversial "disengagement plan".

The plan would see Israel withdrawing from Gaza and parts of the West Bank.

Just before heading to Washington Prime Minister Sharon has vowed to maintain control over six Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

Palestinians fear that the plan masks an intention to annex West Bank settlements in the future.

Will these talks be successful? Can there be peace in the Middle East? What do you think of Israel's disengagement plan?

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We discussed the Middle East peace process in our global phone-in, Talking Point on Sunday 4th April.

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This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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The following comments reflect the balance of the opinions we have received:

We, as commentators, doom every attempt from the beginning Morgan, USA

No one has hope anymore. We, as commentators, doom every attempt from the beginning. Maybe we're tired of having our hearts broken. But how can there be peace if the world doesn't become enthusiastic about finding a solution. We're so set in seeing every potential problem 20 steps in the future, and blaming each other for past mistakes that we never move forward. We are so pessimistic that momentum towards a solution never builds. If a doctor was convinced his patients were going to die before he even began to operate, how many of them do you think would survive?
Morgan, USA

Many years Martin Luther King had a dream, some of his fellow Americans also had the same dream and we had a positive result. Arabs and Jews cannot have a dream, they're too wide awake shooting and bombing each other to have a dream. What is achieved?
Peter, Middlesbrough, UK

Absolutely nothing lasting will be achieved. A total waste of time. Why bother even reporting the meeting, its a non-event.
Peter, Germany

I wish Israelis and Palestinians the best. I wish they were alone in sorting things out so they could talk to each other. Unfortunately, the entire world is explaining what should be done to them and uses this conflict for all but the peace. The world is projecting it's own contradictions in this tiny peace of land.
Dominique, Paris, France

The US and Israel have always had the strongest ties. The US needs all the Jews to maintain its power in the world. And Israel needs the US to back its plan whichever it may be, good or bad, to justify its actions. They both need each other. And so the Palestinian authority will never gain anything from both. If Israel wants real peace and has good intentions, then why talk it over with the US? Talk it over with the people concerned, the Palestinians!
Huda Hassoun, Ottawa, Canada

Absolutely not. Israel deserves to have and has the right to safe, secure borders. Israel won the war; the territories are clearly part of Israel historically and territorially. There is nothing "illegal" about the settlements. It is Israel's. There is no Palestine; a Roman invented fiction to blot out the Jewish homeland.
Reginald Moore, Santa Monica, California, USA

There can't be peace while Sharon, Bush, and Arafat are in power. War mongers don't make peace they make war.
Ole Ekeland, Fairfield

Just one small point, since its creation Israel has had five wars, all initiated by its enemies. Arab countries and the UN all support the Palestinians whilst America is Israel's only friend. Israel needs peace more than ever, if America won't compromise with al-Qaeda, why should Israel consult with Hamas or any other terrorist group.
Ashley Green , London, England

Nobody but the Palestinians and Israelis can bring peace to their people. Both sides have had enough. But then again both sides are too stubborn to say they were wrong in something. The problem is the all the corrupt politicians have all the power and the people don't have a say.
Jowan, USA

Ariel Sharon has just said that his country won't abandon six of the illegal settlements in the Occupied Territories. So in answer to the question 'Can US-Israel talks bring progress?' - I would say no, not unless President Bush persuades Sharon to change his mind on these settlements.
Jim Wild, London, UK

These talks will amount to more of the same. Bush-Sharon will issue a statement where Bush will express qualified support for Sharon's plan and both will reaffirm their commitment to peace. Then Sharon will go back and do exactly as he pleases, that is isolate the Palestinians into apartheid-style ghettos and kill all hopes of a Palestinian state. There will be no just settlement until there is on the Palestinian side an ally to match the power and hegemony of the US. And that unfortunately is not happening for a long time.
Shehzad Shah, Karachi, Pakistan

I think credit should be given to Israel for taking the initiative after a 3 year period of failed attempts to bring the Palestinian leadership on board. It seems that the international community (especially Europe) cannot be satisfied. They oppose the "occupation" and now they oppose the withdrawal and any steps to deal with the West Bank. There is no pleasing them - I don't see any ideas coming from the Palestinians- do you?
guy, London

Maintenance of settlements always involves taking of scarce water resources, fertile land and a military presence Salman Hoda, Oakville, Canada

It is quite clear Sharon's objective is still to disrupt any sort of independent Palestinian State, and therefore, any chance of peace. This is evident by Sharon's claim to maintain six settlements in the occupied territories. Maintenance of settlements always involves taking of scarce water resources, fertile land and a military presence. These are the ingredients to a Palestinian backlash and Israeli retaliation that only serves to marginalise both sides.

The situation's already one big downward spiral. To repeat political scientist Norman Finklestein analysis; the situation will only get better when the Palestinian people choose better leadership. Better than Arafat, who has done nothing, and better than Hamas and other such organizations who are bent on revenge.
Salman Hoda, Oakville, Canada

I am absolutely shocked that Mr Sharon has the audacity to suggest that he has any right to decide whether the Palestinians deserve a state or not. It is the decision of the Palestinian people that they want a state, what right does Sharon have to deny them it?
Duncan Burrell, Edinburgh, UK

Nothing for the Palestinians. Israel will get more praise; more F-15's and Apaches to use against civilians, and Bush will get most-needed Jewish votes.
A.H., Montreal, Canada

Strange to see that only people from the US feel that Israel is always right in what it is doing and The Palestinians are the cause of all the problems. Media Bias?
Mitch, Boston USA

Decide if you WANT peace - then talk. Until then, don't bother - it is a waste of time.
James Murphy, Dorset, UK

I think the US is definitely the wrong negotiator for this issue Mark , Spain

I think the US is definitely the wrong negotiator for this issue. The most powerful lobby in the US is Jewish so to many Arabs it seems empty rhetoric
Mark , Spain

I'm curious - how many UN resolutions has Israel defied over the years? Will Bush remind them of that and threaten an Iraq-style enforcement? Isn't that the latest rationale for the invasion of Iraq?
Gareth, Bermuda

The Palestinians should announce they've discovered oil. That'll make America stop the fighting so their oil companies can move in.
Martin, England

The talks can't be a bad thing Bruce, London

Well the talks can't be a bad thing - but even the cautious optimism at the time of the "roadmap for peace" now seems a distant memory. Just look at some of the messages here entirely blaming one side or the other for the conflict - mostly from people who live nowhere near the Middle East. To bring peace out of such entrenched hatred is a monumental task.
Bruce, London

All the people who blame Sharon for the problem ignore the fact that Arafat has been the ruler of his people for many, many years, through dozens of Israeli governments. Surely, these same people who blame Sharon must realize upon honest review that the problem lies in the opposite direction. Why does Arafat get a free ride from so many commentators worldwide? In my view if Arafat stepped down you'll get rid of the biggest obstacle to peace.
Craig, USA

At best a US/Israel summit will result in a paternalistic outcome for the Palestinians. At worst, and more likely, the post 1967 expansionism of Israel and the ongoing political, economic, geographic and media disenfranchisement of the Palestinians will be formalised. The US has proven itself incapable of or unwilling to play the role of independent arbiter that is desperately needed.
RW, AUS

Talks are always worth the time and effort however most know in reality they have a slim chance of success. Unfortunately peace will not yield the outcome desired by hardliners on both sides of the fence.
Ian, Melbourne / Australia

Nobody is committed or serious about it Abdillahi, Somalia

These talks will bring nothing at all. Nobody is committed or serious about it. It's all an act. Both Israel and Palestine know that if they keep on doing what they do, they won't reach anywhere.
Abdillahi, Somalia

I believe peace can only be reached with transparent justice.
Pauline Halse, Russell, New Zealand

I have a very hard time imagining how the predominantly Christian USA or EU could possibly bring peace between Jews and Muslims. Why doesn't anyone mention this?
Arianne, Oakland, CA, USA

Whilst Israel continues to threaten the elected leader of Palestine there will never be peace. It's just playing into the hands of the groups that don't want any Jewish people in Israel/Palestine. No efforts are being made on either side at a compromise.
Paul, Northampton, UK

No. Peace can not be reached by talks between the aggressor and its sponsor. For a realistic and sustaining peace to be achievable the oppressed must have equal representation at the table.
Dr Nour Khalidi, UK/Palestine

I think the principal cause of Arab terrorism is legitimate resentment against Western powers which goes back a couple of centuries, particularly the US. No 'war on terrorism' is needed. What is needed, among other things, is a serious attempt by the US and Europe to solve the Palestinian problem.
Thomas Hennigan, Coquimbo, Chile

People who talk will keep on talking and those who are fighting will keep on fighting Jeevan V Thomas, Trivandrum

Personally I don't believe that the talks between the US and Israel can bring peace to the Middle East. They have already had some session of talks in the past and the situation is still continuing there. People who talk will keep on talking and those who are fighting will keep on fighting.
Jeevan V Thomas, Trivandrum, India

No matter who talks to who there will be no peace till they get rid of Arafat and Sharon. Their personal grudge is the cause of this latest conflict. New young leaders who are ready for open direct talks should be brought in.
Ahmed Zuhair, Maldives

It is talks without action; there is no intention to disengage from occupied Palestine. Israel is immune to USA, UN and whatever Palestine does.
Faridi Hussein, Nairobi, Kenya

Neither Sharon, nor Bush are solving issues by peaceful means or aspirations. Who can reasonably expect anything but suffering and bloodshed from either of them, even worse when they scheme together.
G Nilsson, Gothenburg, Sweden

I am guessing that the first sign of peace will be some form of unspeakable violence perpetrated by the Palestinians. That is the way it always happens and I challenge you to watch. I say assassinate Arafat and get to the route of the problem.
Carters, USA

As long as justice is not served, there will be no peace in the Middle East.
Nor Asma, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This is between Israel and Palestine, and should be settled between the two AWH, UK

The US should keep its nose out of this - it has already caused enough trouble in the area. This is between Israel and Palestine, and should be settled between the two. Sharon and Arafat should leave the picture - they have had years to find a solution, and failed. It is time for some new efforts by new people with new ideas.
AWH, UK

What Sharon says and what Sharon does seem to have little in common. An example of this is when there was a short ceasefire extra judicial executions continued. It would be lovely to see some progress towards peace but I don't think it is really on Sharon's agenda. I dread to think what will go on in the West Bank if Israel pulls its settlers out of the Gaza Strip.
Al, UK

It's difficult to see how two countries with such entrenched positions with regard to the Middle East could bring any meaningful progress.
Jonathan Booth, London

It is clear the Israelis do not want peace.
Bak Tanus, Stockholm, Sweden

None whatsoever. Mr Bush only has his eyes on the Presidential Election in November and is blind to the actions of both sides in this conflict. His fundamentalist adherence to the idea of supporting the descendants of the Israelites certainly doesn't help either. The World needs peace in the Middle East and only a man of vision can forge a way through this quagmire.
ML, London, England

OK, so Sharon has now said that Arafat is a legitimate assassination target. Isn't this what Hamas said about Sharon, so which one is worse?
Mike, Letchworth

Israel's disengagement plan is simply a realisation that demographically, Jews will soon become a minority in what is currently regarded as Israeli territory. As Israel's raison d'etre is as a Jewish state, something clearly has to be done. After all, could you imagine democratic Israel with a Muslim Prime Minister? Can anyone else think of any other religiously pure states in the world?
Paul O'Hagan, London

Both sides are as bad as each other.
Richard, UK

Doubtful there will be any progress for it and even if there is, it is even more doubtful that the media, notoriously liberal, will give Bush or Sharon credit for any success.
Kelly, USA

The US is the only country which policy in the Middle East has been balanced. Consequently, I believe it is the only country that can find a solution to this conflict. The EU has for the most part been inclined to fear the Arab reaction of their Muslim communities.
Gilbert, USA

Hatred, ignorance and misunderstanding are the roots of the mess that all three parties have found themselves in John, Bangkok

As long as the Arab world focuses on Israel - they can ignore their own failings. As long as Israel focuses on justifying their actions they can ignore their own failings. As long as the US policy moves further and further away from striving to be an honest broker (if the US ever was one) - they too can ignore their own failed government policies. Finally, as long as the rest of the world does nothing - they do the same. Hatred, ignorance and misunderstanding are the roots of the mess that all three parties have found themselves in. Peace is in the hearts of people - that's reflected in their lands through the purity of their actions.
John, Bangkok, Thailand

Of course these talks can bring progress, but only between US-Israeli relations. The title said it all.
Cheikh Diop, Dakar, Senegal

If we are going to live in a global community, then surely more than one nation must act Matt, New York City

Funny how so many criticize the United States for its handling of the situation, and yet their countries are sitting on the sidelines (as usual) doing nothing. If we are going to live in a global community, then surely more than one nation must act.
Matt, New York City, USA

Progress? Another cruel joke no doubt. What will they talk about? Perhaps a kinder, gentler ethnic cleansing... supported by massive American aid. The talks will be just that... talk. The majority of the Bush administration simply do not comprehend that peace... and long term US interests are best served by insisting on a just, equitable and historically viable solution.
Garry, Binghamton, NY, USA

There can't be any progress as long as the US is involved as the only and prime mediator. The Palestinians are wasting time and lives waiting for the US to be impartial, It is not going to happen.
Hani Ramzy, Egyptian

In 1957 Golda Meir said, before the National Press Club in Washington: "Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us." She also said on numerous other occasions that "Peace will come when an Arab leader is courageous enough to wish it". Here we are in 2004 and unfortunately, both statements still apply. When the Palestinians stop their Homicide Bombings and when they will have a leader that really wants Peace, then we shall have peace. Regrettably, I do not believe this will occur in my lifetime.
Zehava, Washington DC, USA

The underlying problem with any US-Israel talks is that this is clearly a religious war to the Palestinians. Even if Israel surrenders land back to the Palestinians, the bombings will not stop and the Israelis will be left in a much worse position than before. At this point, Israel will retaliate and they will come under scrutiny by Europe once again.
Bryan Short, Collegeville, MN, USA

It is hard to see what the Palestinians would be left with if peace were made. The best land and access to water, investment and institutional structures are all Israel's. How, even in peace, the Palestinian people would be able to progress out of the extreme poverty they find themselves in I don't know. Perhaps the World Bank and IMF will arrange enormous loans which will tie the crippled state into debt along with the rest of the Third World for years to come.
Chris C, Aberystwyth, Wales

Can there be peace in Palestine? On the 2nd November 1917, the date of the mischievous Balfour Declaration, the occupants of Palestine had been living in peace with one another for millennia. The Question is "What has changed since that day?" I believe the Palestinian people should sue the "advanced nations" for non-performance of the "sacred trust" they explicitly took on under Article 22 of the covenant of the League of Nations.
Richard Sykes, Filderstadt, Germany

There seems to be one guest missing for these "peace talks" Jc Couderc, Spain

No chances. Your title says it all. The "US/Israel talks". There seems to be one guest missing for these "peace talks". Back in 2000, the leaders of Israel and Palestine were very close to an agreement, the future was brighter, there was no army in Palestine and no bombings in Israel. In 4 years, thanks to Bush's total non-commitment to act for peace, you have a wall, daily killings by the Israeli army and Palestinians terrorists willing to blow themselves among civilians. So 4 years = no improvements.
Jc Couderc, Spain

I've just come from the West bank. I've seen how people live there, locked in by check points and the fortifications already erected (the wall). I've heard sad stories and seen the settlements - usually established on hills overlooking the country below like sentinels. There is no peace coming forward. Neither the Israeli government nor the US have any interest in peace. Sharon aims at something more profitable: control of land and water.
Gruenewald, Germany, Erlangen

It all depends on what one means by "progress". If the definition is a reduction in terrorist attacks, then yes. Peace? Less likely. As for an independent Palestinian state, the bulk of the cards rest with the Palestinians, who, after more than three years of fighting remain wedded to the vision of the suicide bomber.
Jacob Blues, New York City, US

Will the Palestinian people every blame anyone other than the Israeli's for their problems? Will they, themselves, every blame Arafat for investing in terror instead of infrastructure? Progress cannot be made until both sides examine their own failings as well as the other side's
James, London, UK

This is just a sugar-coated gambit to annex more Palestinian land Charles Luebke-Wheeler, Milwaukee, USA

It is interesting to note that when Sharon's "Disengagement Plan" was first mentioned, it's salient point was the Israeli pullout from the Gaza strip. As more of the plan is revealed, we start hearing of "consolidating Israel's larger settlement blocs in the West Bank." This is just a sugar-coated gambit to annex more Palestinian land. The Jewish settlements should more accurately be called colonies, and as long as they remain, there will never be peace. Also, the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin guarantees continued attacks by the Palestinian militants, giving Israel further excuses for wall building, assassination, and land annexation. As long as extremist elements (Ariel Sharon and the Islamic militants) set the tone for talks, peace will remain an illusion.
Charles Luebke-Wheeler, Milwaukee, USA

If by progress you mean towards a negotiated end of conflict, then were the Oslo accords progress, having brought only violence heightened by orders of magnitude? If so, we do not need any more progress! Progress towards real peace will not come from the outside, but only when the Arabs and Israelis accept each other behind natural and secure borders. Such borders were secured by Israel in the 1967 war. A retreat from them will only bring increased tension and expanded warfare.
Israel Dalven, Emanuel Israel

At this point in history, negotiations between Israel and the US would be very useful. Sharon wants to change the course of the conflict in a strategic way; and he knows, rightly so, that he cannot do that without the US backing. There are signs that Israel's policy shift, which is partially out of desperation, may lead to a way out of the crisis. Given the current mutual mistrust and confusion in Palestinian leadership, it is unlikely that any serious negotiations between the principals can take place, let alone be productive.
Max Behan, Wilmington, Delaware, US

Israel will not sacrifice itself just to reach silence in region Vladimir, Israel

There will be no peace until Arabs want it. Just look on the map of Middle East. Many Arab countries with more than 100,000,000 people and one small Israel with about 6,000,000. Who may be more interested in peace than Israel? But not for any price. Israel will not sacrifice itself just to reach silence in region. Destroyed Germany accepted millions of refugees in 1945. Israel accepted hundreds thousands of Jewish refugees from Arab countries. But rich Arab countries prefer to keep Palestinians in camps as weapon again Israel and pay for terror. I totally agree that peace between Palestinians and Israel cannot be reached by negotiation between USA and Israel. But it may not be reached here either.
Vladimir, Israel

Lets say Israel did withdraw to the 1967 line, will the attacks from Hamas stop? I think not and Israel will be in a weaker defensive position. I do not believe most citizens of EU countries factor that in to their arguments
Raymond Gross, Phoenix, USA

The only chance for peace is when Arafat is gone, Hamas is liquidated, and the Palestinians denounce murder of innocent people on buses. Nothing less. Israel has been under siege since its inception, and has surrendered land in every struggle in order to gain peace. The Palestinians have endorsed Death as their ambassador and they must live with the consequences. America can only do so much in such a toxic atmosphere.
Marc, Simi Valley

As far as US efforts are concerned, the US must demand that Israel dismantle settlements and end other provocative actions immediately, otherwise their input will continue to have little real impact. Once Israel has met these obligations most global and local support for any continued Palestinian resistance will be gone. If the Palestinians still resort to and support terrorist actions against Israel, then the US should support Israel by whatever means necessary to eradicate this threat permanently. Unfortunately the hardliners on both sides, who seem to be in control at the present time, will never accept peace on fair and just terms and the US, as the only Nation with the credibility and the means, will never truly exert the necessary muscle that it has to "force" a peaceful resolution on both parties.
John , New Jersey, USA

When the Palestinians are tired of war and want peace, it will break out quickly Mark , USA

Talk is cheap. When the Palestinians are tired of war and want peace, it will break out quickly. Until then, all of the words and promises are worthless hot air and all the treaties useless scraps of paper. Jaded by endless bitter disappointment, the Israeli people know it and are resigned to it.
Mark , USA

Settlers occupying land owned by Palestinians with the support of both Israel and the US is the cause of the uprising. Removing all the settlers is the only long-term solution to restoring peace. There can be argument for stealing Palestinian land and houses under ancient religious ideals.
John Farmer, Henley-on-Thames, UK

It is not the responsibility of the United States to make peace it is between the two of them and if they want peace we will be there to help both sides. But we are getting tried of the burden of the rest of the world! There will come a time when the USA says to the rest of the world leave us out of it.
Janet , USA

A Euro-Med process has to be implemented in order to form what Guido De Marco (President of Malta) refers to as the PAX MEDITERRANEA. There has to take place something similar as the constitution of the Mediterranean. We need to feel unity with our diversities. The best possible way for peace and for eliminating hatred
Mario Grima, San Gwann, Malta

The United States is one of the few countries that can actually bring some degree of pressure Christopher Magee, Washington, D.C. USA

Israel does not trust Europe, the United Nations, or the Arab community. Israel does, however, trust the United States. Regardless of outstanding grievances on both sides, no progress can be made by demonizing either side, Israeli or Palestinian. The United States is one of the few countries with close ties with Israel that can actually bring some degree of pressure that would bring the desired effect, as opposed to simply antagonizing the target.

The disengagement plan is giving the Palestinians back the Gaza Strip. As well meaning as the peace process is, the Palestinians have yet to present a strong, united front to the negotiating table. Major groups such as HAMAS, Islamic Jihad, and others that have chosen to boycott certain cease-fires or talks to gain support as 'being true to their cause'. The only half-way dependable player in this ongoing drama is Israel, for better or for worse.
Christopher Magee, Washington, D.C. USA

Many thanks to Robert G of New York (below) for bringing to light the unabashed support the BBC displays for Palestinians. Evidently, the BBC has chosen to disregard the facts involved in this crisis and encourages its readers to do the same. I would like to ask the pro-Palestinian respondents on this topic what they actually know of the facts i.e. The Six Day War, Hamas, etc...
mike, USA

One must be wondering what the Americans have to talk with Mr. Sharon about while he is not listening to any one and continues to do everything unilaterally. The meeting will not bring any new initiative or, for that matter, even a temporary lull in the conflict. There must be a strong leadership on both sides of the conflict to take some very hard decisions to break the deadlock. First and foremost any leader from the Israeli side must recognise that as long as their occupation and settlement activities continue there is no real peace for all people in the Middle East.
Srinivasan Toft, Humlebæk, Denmark

These two are talking strategy and not any serious plans for peace in the region Tetsuyo, Los Angeles, USA

I do not think that the talks will be successful and I do not agree with the argument of people like Nathaniel (below) who seem to think that Arafat is a corrupt leader who cannot make peace with Israel. Arafat had no problems making peace with the great Prime Minister Rabin until a radical Israeli shot him down and destroyed what was then a time of great promise. After that it has been all downhill. It is obvious that Sharon does not want a fair peace for all in the region so what's the use of some talks that do not involve Arafat? These two are talking strategy and not any serious plans for peace in the region.
Tetsuyo, Los Angeles, USA

The problem is that the Palestinians want Israel to end their occupation and withdraw to pre 1967 borders, the so called "Green Line", but as recently stated by Netanyahu, the territory in the West Bank is "negotiable."
Angus, Ontario, Canada

I think Israel's disengagement plan from Gaza is the most prominent sign of the changes in Israel's point of view of the conflict. Such a pace sooner or later will contribute the efforts for to restore peace. And it is now the Palestinian's turn to make a gesture to show their commitment to arrange an armistice. Such efforts from Palestinians will also encourage Israel to be more enthusiastic to make bolder attempts. Everybody has to grasp to full meaning of the challenging situation and try to give peace a chance for their own sake.
Selim, Istanbul, Turkey

The same war has been fought for the past 50 years - a war to kill Jewish people and annihilate Israel. First the Arabs tried with organized armies; when that failed, they then resorted to cowardly and disgusting terrorist acts which continue today. I believe that most people want peace, but Arabs have to stop being "comfortably ambivalent" about terrorism, while Israel has to guarantee the Palestinian people a viable state. When those conditions are met, the fifty-year war will end. Hopefully.
John C, New York, USA

This will be another series of talks that just go through the motions Julian Hodda, Sydney, Australia

This whole situation is reminiscent of scratched record, jumping over the same song again and again. Israel knows, the Palestinians know, along with the US and the rest of the world, that this will be another series of talks that just go through the motions. This situation is eminently solvable, it just requires some consideration, moral fibre, and intent, of which none of the current players or 'adjudicators' have.
Julian Hodda, Sydney, Australia

If there is to be peace in the Middle East, it must come with the condemnation of anyone who uses assassins instead of juries to convict criminals. Prime Minister Sharon's disengagement plan, flawed or not, has been pre-emptively sabotaged by the killing of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, and President Bush is the last person with whom Mr. Sharon should be having talks right now. The Palestinian people are those with whom Israel is trying to make peace, and they have no representation at all in a series of peace talks? Instead, we have the leader of an administration that has consistently implied (through policies and statements both) that Palestine is a nation of terrorists? This will never do.
Anise, Santa Cruz, USA

The problem is that Israel knows it can gain more through continuing this war and so has no urge to cease it, whereas the Arab nations don't seem to realise that the more they fight Israel, the more territory they lose. This Arabs vs. Israelis war will end when the Arabs realise that peace is Israel's worst nightmare and the only way of preventing its expansion.
Graeme Phillips, Berlin, Germany (normally UK)

The US wont help the Palestinian cause, as it is not insisting on Israel to go back to the green line of 1967. The State of Israel is getting more greedy by the day (settlers moving to east Jerusalem) under the approving watchful eye of Uncle Sam. America is sending more dough and more arms and have the blood of the innocent Palestinian children on their hands too. It is a big scam! That's all.
Emilie, Paris, France

The U.S should stop being the main broker of peace between Israel and the Palestinians Greez Lottz, Slovenia

I think that the U.S should stop being the main broker of peace between Israel and the Palestinians. America is very biased towards Israel with its monetary support and refusing to condemn Israel's military strategies. At the same time though, European countries are biased towards the Palestinians and many Israelis see Europeans as having anti-Semitic tendencies. A country like Japan, a powerful, democratic, country with no real special interests in the Middle East should broker the peace talks. What have we got to lose?
Greez Lottz, Slovenia

Unilateral moves on the part of PM Sharon (whatever they may be) is the only hope for any type of settlement. For all their feigned concern for the Palestinians, the EU counters each US move for reasons of furthering their own status (and vice versa). Coupled with everyone from the UN to the Vatican jockeying for position in the region, this so-called "multilateralism' is producing what it always does: stagnation and a prolonging of the bloodshed.
David Ghedini, Jerusalem, Israel

I think many on this discussion are missing the point of the talks between Messrs. Bush and Sharon. Most of the world (and even many Palestinians) have realized that the current Palestinian government led by a corrupt Arafat can not make peace with Israel. With that in mind, Sharon has gone to Washington to coordinate the first phases of Israel's disengagement from the Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza. Upon disengagement, the idea is that the Palestinians will realize that their leadership has serious flaws, hopefully elect a new and better one, and then perhaps peace talks can happen between Israel and the Palestinians. So I would hardly call Sharon's coordinating sessions with Bush pointless.
Nathaniel, Houston, USA

After almost 50 years of conflict, there can be only one solution and that is total disengagement H K Gadhia, Denmark

I've followed the Israel/Palestine situation for the last fifteen years. The arguments haven't changed. Israeli steals land and oppresses the Palestinians. The Palestinians are terrorists and target civilians. Israelis want security and safety, whilst Palestinians want a state of their own. I have felt sympathy and sorrow for both sides, usually not at the same time.

I think after almost 50 years of conflict, there can be only one solution and that is total disengagement. No support for either side by any country. No support from America, the EU, the Arab States, nothing. When the money runs out and they've nothing left to fight with, then maybe they'll have the incentive to talk peace.
H K Gadhia, Denmark

I simply wish that some other nation besides the US would come up with an idea for bringing peace and stability between Israel and Palestinians. The burden seems to fall consistently on the back of the United States, a thousand pound gorilla which each new US president inherits and the American people do not want. The US is damned if we do and damned if we don't work toward the peace process, while other powerful nations whine and moan about lack of progress. Suggestions would be welcome, responsibility would be welcome. Any nation willing to act with courage and step up to take the reins from this no-win situation would be a blessing. Until that happens, please remember that it is with extreme ease and cowardice that a person whines and complains about something they themselves are unwilling to work toward for change.
Lisa, Wisconsin, USA

In a perfect world, peace talks and initiatives would ONLY be held within the United Nations system. In a perfect world, Arab leaders would also adopt a unanimous and clear position on the Middle-East Conflict, and not leave this question to be debated among third parties...They would also condemn violence and promote dialogue. In this world, however, everyone tends to privilege their narrow national interests, at the expense of a Palestinian population who is sinking into deep despair...
Tarek Cheniti, Tunisia

Ariel Sharon is very likely facing corruption charges and that could make his position in the negotiation table untenable Topi Lappalainen, Finland

It depends on who will do the talking. Ariel Sharon is very likely facing corruption charges and that could make his position in the negotiation table untenable. If he stepped down in favour of, say, Silvan Shalom, Israel could have a government that would have both domestic and international credibility. Sharon could, of course, be cleared of the charges. That might take time, though, and a tough bribery trial would surely undermine any peace talks.
Topi Lappalainen, Finland

Regardless of how many chats Bush has with Sharon I fail to see how any talks can succeed when Israel (or the US) refuses to talk to the Palestinians. The only realistic hope for peace is through a mutually acceptable agreement, and that's never going to happen without dialogue between the Israelis AND the Palestinians. Any plan implemented by Israel without even discussion - let alone agreement - with the Palestinians is doomed to failure.
steve dowdy, London, UK

The first Israeli Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion hit the nail on the head when he said that the Palestinians would never make peace with Israel, and that Israel would have to accept this as they had 'stolen their land'. Ariel Sharon having a chat with his mates in Washington is not going to bring about peace in the ME. They are meeting up to scratch each others back. In return for unwavering support for the Israeli cause, from Washington, Ariel Sharon will compromise on the amount of West Bank territory that remains under Israeli control. For now.
Andy, UK

The two groups have to accept to share this small land. The biggest obstacle is the extremists on either side. As long as both groups fear elimination, it is hard to think of peace. A lot of compromises have to made by both sides.
Kajobinyi Mada, Alex, Egypt/Sudan

Peace talks can only begin when someone of status from Israel sits with someone of status from Palestine Phil, Nimes, France

The Prime Minister of Israel in peace talks with the president of the USA? Sorry, I didn't realise these two countries were at war! Peace talks can only begin when someone of status from Israel sits with someone of status from Palestine. Until that time events such as this will just be seized on as further proof of US support for Israel's behaviour.
Phil, Nimes, France

At this point in history the lack of democracy in the Middle East countries, other than Israel, is an impediment to true peace. The tyrant Arab regimes, Arafat included, are interested in preserving the current violent situation since it deflects criticism from their own despotism, corruption, human rights record, racism, incompetence and impotence. Whatever Bush and Sharon agree on it will be undermined by the internationally recognized thugs ruling ruthlessly in the Arab countries and the PA.
Jamil Baroody, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The land-grabbing and repressive security regime imposed by Israel on the Palestinians is shameful and even more appalling when condoned by the US and Britain. The assassination of the Hamas leader will just spark another cycle of violence and further polarise the situation. Until the Palestinians have an independent State with borders recognised by Israel, the extreme factions in both Palestine and Israel will dictate policy. Unfortunately the Palestinian lobby in Washington is virtually non-existent while the pro-Israeli lobby groups practically drafts the US Middle East policy. Israel only came into existence because the US took the (controversial) lead in recognising it as an independent State. When will it have the guts to do the same for the Palestinian people?
Anonymous

There will never be peace in the middle east. Christopher Camilleri, Malta

There will never be peace in the middle east. Palestinians and Jews can't live together in relative harmony. They are two extremes. Peace in the middle east could only happen when one of them gets obliterated by the other. The peace talks only postpone the inevitable.
Christopher Camilleri, Malta

As long our leaders believe in violence solving other violence there will be no peace in this world. We already have enough examples - Iraq, Israel, Ireland, etc. Just being in a physically or military stronger position doesn't justify the dictation of the meaning of peace. Peace is trust and communication. As long our leaders act differently there will be no peace.
Walter, Raleigh, NC, USA

Over the next few months there will be a major breakthrough in negotiations over the future of the West Bank. However, after the November elections and some pretty speeches at the inauguration ceremony in January this will prove to be another false dawn. Irrespective of personal qualities, political vision and public support, could any American presidential candidate ever receive the most vital ingredient of all for a successful campaign, that of financial backing, if he threatened to get tough with Israel unless they seriously tried to find a solution to the problem?
Kim William Rees, Setubal, Portugal

The BBC continues to promote anti-Israel and anti-Semitic propaganda through allowing its readers to live in confusion about facts. I saved several of the viewpoints expressed here and I can see a link between the pro-Palestinian bias in the BBC articles and the mix-ups with timelines and events in readers' minds. Young readers are not even aware of what transpired in the past (the fact that most Jews and Palestinians in the area are descendants of people who were not living there 100 years ago, for example). Anti-Semitic comments are allowed without the BBC's ever trying to show why they are wrong. Making a permanent link to the EU's report on anti-Semitism would help with that.
Robert G, New York, NY

To Robert G from New York: perhaps you'd be willing to point out the "anti-Israel and anti-Semitic propaganda" of which you speak? I'm a young reader myself, but that doesn't mean I'm not aware of the past and what's happening in the world around me. If I look at all this and then decide the wealthy powers are corrupt that's my own right. In case you haven't noticed, the BBC publishes comments from people with various opinions & views, no matter how inconsistent some may appear to any one individual. Oh yeah, and when it comes to the news, and the BBC has always been about reporting, never injecting its own personal views. Why else are the BBC so brief and concise? If there's a better alternative out there I'd be more than happy to hear about it.
Basheer Shamma

The new push for peace is a convenient ploy by President Bush to please Muslim as well as Jewish voters in the November election. It has a false premise based on ambiguity and would never succeed in achieving lasting peace. A peace plan based upon equal justice and rights for the Palestinian people and assured security for the Jewish state is the only solution to end this bloody feud.
Saqib Khan, UK