Observers say time will tell what's to come of Bush's peace efforts

Published: 2008-01-15

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- Time will tell what -- if anything -- will come out of U.S. President George W. Bush's efforts for the Middle East peace process, said political observers in Israel and the Palestinian territories. "The fact is that nothing significant was given to the Palestinians on the so-called minor issues ... such as the prisoners, the roadblocks ... but on the other hand the fact that a push was given to the permanent status talks and that Bush is talking of coming back here not just for Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations (but to continue working on the peace talks) is significant," said Wadie Abunasser, a Catholic Arab from northern Israel and director of the International Center for Consultations. Following Bush's visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Palestinians will be looking to see concrete results within about a week after his return to the United States, said Abunasser. He said it is encouraging that Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert have expressed commitment to the process, noting that the next steps must be taken by the local leaders.

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