To the editor:
In its recent editorial, "In the Middle East, Time to Move On," The New York Times starts by asserting it's pointless to argue over blame for the collapse of negotiations between the Palestinian Arabs and Israel and then unfairly blames Israel for that collapse.
The editorial conveniently omits noting it was Palestinian Authority President Abbas who made the talks go "poof" by violating the Oslo accords and the understandings regarding the negotiations by applying to join numerous international conventions and treaties after Israel had agreed to release not only the last batch of 26 Arab terrorists, including several mass murderers, but another 400 prisoners, albeit prisoners who had not yet murdered any innocent people, if only the Palestinian Arabs would pledge to not immediately walk away from the negotiations.
The Times is correct that peace "is morally just and essential for the security of both peoples," but peace remains unattainable as long as Abbas maintains his insistence on never compromising on any of the core issues. Continuing pressure on Israel to make even more concessions while excusing Arab intransigence only removes any hope for peace.
Sincerely,
Alan Stein