As with the creation of the multiple Latin cultures of today, it is not unknown for centuries of conflict, persecution and pain, not just between cultures but within them, to result in something coherent, worthwhile, and even beautiful. I would like to believe that this can happen in the Mideast. I certainly believe it SHOULD happen in the Mideast.

What would be really nice would be a kind of world-wide cessation of all hostilities and a grand collection of everyone with an axe to grind, and let's say a three year colloquiam:

Year One: Bitch Bitch Bitch. "Your grand-dad killed my grand-dad and stole his chickens." The back and forth of the truly pissed-off.

Year Two: "Well, we'll pay off for the chickens, but grand-dad was just a little quicker than your grand-dad, and his powder was drier."

Year Three: "Well, let's take this dry powder idea of your grand-dad's and put it into grain storage and go into business together. Only one problem is, whose country gets to tax us?"

"Who cares? We'll incorporate in Bermuda!"

As Abba Eban said: There will be piece, after we have exhausted all the alternatives...