Wednesday, 29 November, 2006

By Gavin Esler
Presenter, BBC Newsnight

Presented by Gavin Esler

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In pursuit of fairness and in keeping with the spirit of a city which for many is at the heart of the Arab - Israeli conflict, today we have not one but TWO Quotes for the Day.

From Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert: "You, the Palestinian people, are standing these days at an historic crossroads."

And from Jordan's King Abdullah, a warning of "the strong potential of three civil wars in the region, whether it's the Palestinians, that of Lebanon, or of Iraq."

I'm here for a special edition of Newsnight which will also be shown around the world on BBC World - a debate summed up by these two quotes, as we ask: "What chance peace?"

It comes as President Bush is in Jordan for talks with - among others - the Prime Minister of Iraq. In Gaza an uneasy truce appears to be holding. In Lebanon the political crisis terrifies everyone with the prospect of another civil war. All round the world Christians, Muslims and Jews look to this holy city of Jerusalem for inspiration. Tonight we'll be looking to Jerusalem for answers.

Can the Israelis and Palestinians live together peacefully side by side in their own states with secure borders? Is that dream possible any more?

What do you think? Join the debate online.