Only US can do it when push comes to shove

On his first visit to the West Bank, President George W. Bush espoused his theory that the dispute between Israel and Palestine can be resolved "by the end of the year". Of course it is mere wishful thinking on his part in the hope he can achieve what previous American presidents, and even other leaders, have failed to achieve over the past 40 years. But in his desire to go down in history as "the man who could" or, as Bush would probably prefer it to be known, "the man who did better than his dad", he forgot to say how his ambition would be accomplished.

For some time Bush has advocated a two-state solution and an end to Israeli occupation. However, on Thursday he stated the future borders of a Palestinian state would "require mutually agreed adjustments to the armistice lines of 1949 to reflect current realities". Three years ago Bush made similar comments in a letter to the former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon, thereby implying he favoured Israel keeping some of the colonies in the West Bank, something Palestinians regard as being a reward for having victimised and suppressed Palestinians for so many decades.

If Bush is serious about his intention to resolve the Palestinian-Israel issue within 11 months, then he must produce action to match his rhetoric, otherwise people will conclude it is mere grandstanding on his part. Certainly there are signs for optimism at this time yet these should not be met with over-optimism, but a greater awareness of the realities being faced. Unfortunately Bush, after seven years as a president of the US, is still perceived as being extremely naive on Middle East issues, and especially those between Israel and Palestine. Consequently, while his talk is cheap, his actions will speak louder than words.