The NYTimes Almost Gets It Right

In her report on a new Israel initiative to resolve the conflict with the Arabs of the former Mandate of Palestine, Isable Kershner writes

...the Palestinians would most likely refuse an interim arrangement involving temporary borders. They have consistently rejected such proposals since a 2003 American-backed, three-phase plan for Palestinian statehood, known as the road map, never got past the first phase

While she is indicating - not quite forcily and clearly enough - that the burden of the non-progress in peace negotiations lies with the Arab side, and persons not fully knowledgeable would probably miss her implication, too subtle as it is, she also avoids dealing with the issue of why the Road Map "never got past the first phase".

What is that "first phase"?  Well, this is the text:

Phase I: Ending Terror And Violence, Normalizing Palestinian Life, and Building Palestinian Institutions, Present to May 2003

In Phase I, the Palestinians immediately undertake an unconditional cessation of violence according to the steps outlined below; such action should be accompanied by supportive measures undertaken by Israel. Palestinians and Israelis resume security cooperation based on the Tenet work plan to end violence, terrorism, and incitement through restructured and effective Palestinian security services. Palestinians undertake comprehensive political reform in preparation for statehood, including drafting a Palestinian constitution, and free, fair and open elections upon the basis of those measures. Israel takes all necessary steps to help normalize Palestinian life. Israel withdraws from Palestinian areas occupied from September 28, 2000 and the two sides restore the status quo that existed at that time, as security performance and cooperation progress. Israel also freezes all settlement activity, consistent with the Mitchell report.

At the outset of Phase I:

Palestinian leadership issues unequivocal statement reiterating Israel’s right to exist in peace and security and calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to end armed activity and all acts of violence against Israelis anywhere. All official Palestinian institutions end incitement against Israel.

Israeli leadership issues unequivocal statement affirming its commitment to the two-state vision of an independent, viable, sovereign Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel, as expressed by President Bush, and calling for an immediate end to violence against Palestinians everywhere. All official Israeli institutions end incitement against Palestinians.

You judge: how much did the Pals. do and how much did Israel do and then you'll realize who is rersponsible for the lack of peace.

The NYTimes could have done a better journalistic job there.

^