The latest upsurge in violence between Israel and Palestine is particularly disheartening. Coming so soon after the Aqaba summit seemed to promise a new beginning, about 50 Israelis and Palestinians have been killed and hundreds wounded – sadly the great majority of them civilians. This rapid escalation may have not peaked yet.

For the moment, the road map, on which all hopes of a settlement are pinned, still lies on the table in Aqaba, largely disregarded if not unread. If the two opposing sides continue in this way for much longer, the map may have to be filed in the already huge library of failed Middle East peace plans whose extensive, depressing catalogue dates back to the British mandate.

Dr. Ariel and Mr. Sharon wasted no chance, authorizing the assassination attempt of Al Ranteesi. Al Ranteesi in turn thankfully reciprocated the niceties. Palestinian and Israeli rejectionists are once again hard at work exchanging favors and filling the gaps where one party’s effort was lacking; blowing to dust any potential the road map had, while the “silent majority” is humming the tune.

The Middle East, host to two peoples whose penchant for self destruction is world famous, is infamous for producing critics. No “writers” are yet to be sighted. Much valuable time has been spent over the morality of the conflict, much less on the prospects of a solution. It’s the easiest of tasks to spot where the map lags and what it lacks.

The road map, like any other map, is no magical transporter. The best a map can offer is direction for a destination.

The passengers on the bus to peace are content to watch the proud drivers' systematic refusal to take guidance in the map. It is yet to be known when they would finally realize they have been going around in circles. The euphoria of their ride is yet to be replaced by the wakening hangover. For their own good, I hope they will start vomiting real soon.

Ameen Hannoun,
Amman, Jordan