FOR the first time in many years, it is possible to feel somewhat optimistic about the prospects for peace in the Middle East following the signing of the latest Israeli-Palestinian agreement.
True, it only resolves issues which were supposed to have been settled long ago, such as a partial Israeli pullback and the opening of Gaza airport. True, equally, that the extreme difficulty of resolving even such relatively straightforward matters is hardly a good omen for the final status talks which are scheduled to start next month over infinitely more intractable issues such as the possible creation of a Palestinian state and the future of Jerusalem.
Even the last-minute strong-arm tactics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which President Bill Clinton reportedly described as 'despicable', should not be allowed to efface all optimism. It remains possible that Mr Netanyahu will not meet some commitments in this accord, but, even if this were to happen, it cannot detract from the fact that a leader of the Israeli right has agreed to cede a substantial amount of land to the Palestinians.
His coalition partners on the far right are correct in accusing Mr Netanyahu of going back on the platform on which he was elected. The negotiations obliged him to do so, albeit half-heartedly and to the minimum extent possible. Now, with one of his partners having already tabled a motion of no confidence for discussion tomorrow, and only a minority of cabinet ministers supporting the accord, there is a good chance his coalition will fall apart.
If that happens, Mr Netanyahu's desire to cling to power means he will have to rely on the opposition Labour Party or try to forge a new centrist coalition. Either course would radically alter the face of Israeli politics, removing some of the obstacles to advancing the peace process.
For his part, Mr Clinton can take credit for having helped to draw the two sides closer with an agreement that provides a much-needed foreign policy success and enables him to claim to have demonstrated leadership. But the pressure to continue the peace process must not be allowed to diminish.
