Do you think a Kosovo model would be a good one for the West Bank?

I think it is a great idea, but I'm not sure if Israel would go for it due to security concerns. I think disengagement by Israel will help cool things down, but only if terrorists are not allowed to flourish as in Gaza. But the situation is so much more difficult in the West Bank due to all of the settlements and the more strategic location of the West Bank as compared to Gaza.

As to your last point, I can understand your frustration. It does seem so much simpler doesn't it? Alas, the ones most likely to leave under such a plan are the ones least likely to cause problems. They are the ones who just want to live their lives in peace like most people in the world. Add to that, who WOULD take them and why SHOULD they have to leave their homeland?

I do think you indirectly raise an important point about the willingness of other countries to help bring the conflict to an end. There are millions of Palestinian refugees and their descendants living in the surrounding countries without the opportunity to fully integrate and enjoy the citizenship rights of their host countries, despite a desire in many cases to do so. For this reason, I think it is important that these countries be involved in negotiations on final status as well.

But ultimately, I think a two-state solution is the only choice that has any hope of leading to peace at this point.

Perhaps, but alas the Palestinian people are not the type who would tolerate 'occupation' in any form, even a caretaker army aimed at their betterment. I think the only countries that could possibly persuade the West Bank Palestinians to truth them would be Arab countries, particularly Jordan. However, no Arab country wants to take on the responsibility that is the Palestinians (just check out the status of Palestinian refugees in their countries!). Jordan especially has already been destabilized by Palestinian groups and would never agree to governing them again. In general what you say makes sense, and as the Palestinian attempt at self-governemtn has been nothing short of an abject failure, perhaps even neccessary. However, after seeing what America is going through in Iraq, is there any nation on this planet that really wants to mimic than in the West Bank? I think not.

ok, first what gives you the authority or knowledge to decide if palestine is ready for self governance? i have lived here for six years, and believe me if the israelis pulled out of the west bank, life would go on as it did before the occupation,self governing,and self reliant,the militant factions are under control here,palestinian police have more than quadrupled,law and order has been restored in all the major towns(and not by the israeli militia) israel are afraid to let go the strangle hold they have on palestine,they know the economy would be better than theirs,and they would not have an excuse to demand billions of dollars from the u.s. and as for the plight of gaza,whos fault is that? the area is sealed off completely,people are literally left to fend for themselves,desperation,poverty,and misery are a volatile mix.a two state existance would be the way forward,with clearly defined borders respected by both sides.

p.s. who cares if you are getting jaded,is it up to you? palestinians are not naughty children who have to be good in order to be rewarded with their own country,this is their right,not a reward.

The problem with an international force is that it would have to be one that has teeth because UN models have been used before with no effectiveness because they have sat back and allowed terrorists to build staging areas for attacks on Israel in their sight. I like the idea, but who would be the "international troops" and what will be the rules of engagement that will be given them.

Good Luck!!!

I don't think it is a good idea.

There is a very big difference:

US is illegally in Kosovo and is supporting Albanians, who want independence from sovereign Serbian state.

Palestinians are on their land and have US against them together with Israelis.

Two- state- solution never worked, Cyprus is an example.

That was my suggestion many times, sounds like a great idea Cheers! And Gamla Joe I do see how tolerant you've become, and it really is wonderful. Cheers!