Go before it's too far gone

The Daily Star (Lebanon) for last Friday quotes Palestinian Premier Ahmed Qorei as saying contacts with Israel had not been completely broken despite the lack of formal talks and that he was willing to meet with Ariel Sharon.

"From the early beginning, I've said I have no problem to meet with Sharon," Qorei told Israel's public radio.

"I'm ready for that, if it will be well-prepared and if there will be results from the meeting," he said.

Back on January 13 I reacted to news that Syria had refused an invitation from Israeli President Moshe Katsav for Assad to visit on the grounds that the offer was "not serious" by saying that perhaps it wasn't, but Assad still should have gone. Perhaps, I said, as some have suggested, it's a diversion or a tactical move. No matter.

[B]earing in mind the opening provided by the Sadat-Begin visit, and even though Katsav is the president, not the prime minister, Assad still should have gone. ...

If Assad went, would he accomplish anything? Perhaps not. He still should have gone.

Dammit, he should have gone.

Now the situation is in some way reversed but my essential sentiment is the same. Sharon should declare his willingness to meet Qorei. Would it accomplish anything practical in the short run? I have no idea. But the symbolism of such a meeting, just like Sadat's visit was, just like Assad's visit would have been, would be powerful.

Dammit, he should go.