By Ryan Jones
Apr 03, 2007
Arab leaders this week revealed that they will not partner with Israel in the quest for peace, but rather intend to dictate the terms of a regional settlement.
To the satisfaction of most in the international community, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Sunday responded to a pan-Arab peace proposal by calling for direct talks with all "moderate" Arab states.
Olmert expressed optimism over the Arab League peace offer, but insisted that Israel must be allowed to present its positions and demands as a full partner to the process.
In statements released a day later, the Arabs made clear that they do not view Israel as their partner. Israel can either accept the terms of their final and non-negotiable offer, or risk war, indicated Arab leaders.
Israel must commit to a full withdrawal from the Golan Heights, Judea, Samaria and eastern Jerusalem, and to opening its borders to millions of foreign-born Arabs who claim to be "Palestinian refugees" before any meeting will even be considered, a senior Saudi official told the Associated Press.
Traditionally, the side that has instigated and lost so many wars does not dictate the terms of peace. Many within the Jewish state are angered by their leaders' allowing Israel to be pushed into the position of a defeated nation suing for peace with victorious opponents.