The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Contributor: Talking Our Way to Peace: "It is encouraging to witness the quick response from the White House, particularly when President Bush stood with Prime Minister Tony Blair of Britain shortly after his re-election and said that he wanted to establish an independent Palestinian state living in peace and security next to Israel. 'I intend to use the next four years to spend the capital of the United States on such a state,' he said.
While the United States cannot dictate the terms of peace to either party, it can and should actively promote the resumption of negotiations. The time to start is now.
- James A. Baker III was secretary of state from 1989 to 1992."


If the policy of pursuit of power for the sake of power exists in the White House, the anticipated action is inaction. To negotiate means to offer something that is perceived to be an advantage for the other side. This is weakness. Weakness is not power.

There is also the prediction that it is too daunting a problem and therefore success cannot be gauranteed. Without that assurance, nothing will be done.