Strange news from the Middle East:
U.S. plans to sell $60 billion in arms to Saudi Arabia to offset Iran.
Israeli defense firms stand to make tens of millions from the Saudi arms sale.
Israel settlement freeze to expire.
Abbas threatens to resign (again).
After twisting their arm to the negotiating table, I don't know how the U.S. can keep the parties there.
With regards to the issue of settlement construction, the PA official reiterated that the Palestinians would pull out of the talks if the current freeze, which expires later this month, is not extended. He said that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised Abbas to solve the issue, but did not elaborate.
That Clinton magic failed with Yasser Arafat and Ehud Barak. The world has seen a decade of contention, conflict and settlement expansion. It doesn't look like leaders want peace.
Who will stand for peace when the bombs fall in earnest? It won't be war profiteers or their purchased politicians.
