Annapolis Voices

November 26, 2007 - 4:00 PM by Stephanie

We here in Israel have been keeping a collective eye on the anticipated U.S. brokered Annapolis Conference slated to start today.

It’s been a lazy eye because we’re all tired and skeptical and it’s been a looooooooonnng time since there’s been movement towards anything resembling bi-lateral or trilateral or whatever…

AND Bush’s push during this last leg of his White House term feels slightly deja-vous esque. And we all know that when Clinton’s effort went by the wayside, shortly after the floodgates of hell, more commonly referred to as “The 2nd Intifada“, opened.

However, assuming you readers aren’t visiting Israelity for a political analysis because, well, we just don’t do that here, what we will give you to coincide with opening day in Maryland is a smattering of regional “word on the street”:

From the Golan Heights: We’ve been through so many summits but Golan Heights development continues. Syria is joining the talks but we’re not worried; we’re not opening a call-in center for northern residents or anything. Whenever the subject of the our fate arises it’s like dancing the Tango: one step forward, two steps back.

From Syria: There’s not a whole lot of interest. Syrians are more concerned with winter storms and political upset in Lebanon.

The Palestinians: Al-Jazeera t.v. from Gaza actually showed people who support the process. A t.v. story about Summit preps included showing a Gaza vendor selling Annapolis “peace mugs” with a dove carrying olive branch motif.

From Israeli Settlers: Annapolis is like running away from reality. Even left wingers say it’s empty – a Summit for the sake of having a summit. Realistically we’re aware of the fact that the results could be catastrophic for us. But ultimately, if the ‘tower’ falls, maybe it’s a great opportunity for realizing the dream of a “Greater Israel“.

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