Empty Peace Talks

Do yourself a favor, read the most deeply cynical analysis of the Middle East Peace Process you are likely to find anywhere. The RealClearWorld article is long, detailed, and semi-amazing. The basic argument is that neither the Palestinians nor the Israelis want the talks, they only exist because holding talks helps the U.S. accomplish its goals in the region. Here is the most choice part:

The United States wants a peace process, preferably a long one designed to put off the day when it fails. This will allow the United States to appear to be deeply committed to peace and to publicly pressure the Israelis, which will be of some minor use in U.S. efforts to manipulate the rest of the region. But it will not solve anything. Nor is it intended to.

"Nor is it intended to." In other words, none of the three parties want the talks to accomplish their stated goals. This is interesting, deep stuff, not for the dilettante.