My $0.02

Today, the Israeli government begins the pull-out from Gaza.

I believe that the abandonment of Gaza has been forced on the Israelis by the Bush administration. I believe that this has happened for the following reasons:

1. The Bush administration, which is not nearly as 'friendly' with Israel as previous administrations, wants Israel to make an unambiguous gift to the Palestinians.

Because...

2. If the Palestinians don't take Gaza and start to make a viable state, but instead let Hamas and others use it to continue their attacks on Israel, then Israel and the U.S. will be able to claim that Israel has done its utmost and the Palestinians are simply beyond negotiating with. Then you will see a military 'solution' executed by the Israelis with the FULL backing of the U.S.

I don't think the Palestinians understand the peril they are in. The Israelis know that the U.S. has changed its attitude toward terrorism after 9/11. Israel will be permitted latitude it hasn't had since 1967.

The Israeli pullout from Gaza is the last, best hope for the Palestinians. I pray they get it right.