Mideast back to cauldron

What is interesting to note has been America's patently predictable reaction to the recent events. While on the one hand it strongly condemned the suicide bombings by Islamic militants group as terrorist attacks, similar attitude was not evident in her reaction Israeli attacks on the Palestinians. Such a partial stand is not only unfortunate but unacceptable as well, especially at a juncture like this. It has by now become obvious that the earlier ceasefire is not working at all making the US-authored 'roadmap' more vulnerable than ever. And that's why the US should be extremely careful while reacting to developments so that their position is not construed as being stepmotherly to the Palestinians.

The latest spate of violence has once again sparked off a debate on Palestinian leadership. It has brought the tension between the two leaders, Arafat and Abbas, out in the open. While Arafat has been the epitome of elected leadership among the Palestinians, Abbas has yet to prove has standing with his people. He has the backing of US administration, but he is yet to rein in the hardliners and make them listen to him.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

What the Israelis and the Palestinians have to realise is that the 'roadmap' is the only blueprint on the table for reconciliation and peace to ensue between them. The headway made in its implementation must not go waste.