"Another Start for Peace Talks": The New York Times Again Reveals Its Bias and Folly

The New York Times appears desperate to create an Obama diplomatic success.

Having earlier labeled Netanyahu a "master manipulator", today, in an op-ed entitled "Another Start for Peace Talks" (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/04/opinion/04sat2.html?hp) The New York Times editorial board informs us, "We have long been skeptical that Mr. Netanyahu really wants a deal." Again, The New York Times misses the bigger picture and reveals its bias and folly.

The New York Times editorial board ignores Abbas's recent declaration:

"I will wait for Hamas to accept international commitments. I will wait for Israel to freeze settlements. Until then, in the West Bank we have a good reality . . . the people are living a normal life."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/28/AR2009052803614.html

The New York Times is only skeptical whether Netanyahu "really wants a deal"?

Apparently unaware of the current, de facto cooperation that exists between Israel and Fatah, which has resulted in security collaboration, the elimination of check points, and rapidly expanding West Bank economic growth (anticipated 8% growth in GDP in 2010), the New York Times editorial marvels that Netanyahu and Abbas so easily shook hands. However, it is easy to strike the "right tone" at festive dinners in Washington, which do not demand discussion of core issues.

Almost every Israeli, including Netanyahu, wants a negotiated peace with the Palestinians, but there are a host of issues demanding resolution, e.g., Jerusalem, refugees, borders, Israeli settlements, demilitarization of the West Bank, the binding effect of any potential agreement upon Gaza, and basic recognition of Israel's right to exist.

Ultimately, any agreement depends upon Netanyahu's ability to demonstrate to the Israeli electorate that Israel's security is safeguarded by the deal, and Abbas's belief that such agreement will not be deemed a "sell-out" by the Palestinian and Arab streets and result in his assassination.

Also ignored by The New York Times are the 50,000 rockets and missiles supplied by Iran and Syria to Hezbollah, now located under schools, mosques, hospitals and homes throughout Lebanon. The likelihood of a war initiated against Israel pursuant to Iran's instructions, involving Iranian proxies Hezbollah and Hamas, is high, and any such conflict will delay negotiations between Israel and Fatah, pending its resolution.