You certainly are correct – the new administration will have to deal with the Israeli-Palestinian crisis far sooner that was anticipated. However I disagree with your suggestion for the new administration to ignore the pressure to broker peace. A cooling down period for both sides will be required prior to any meaningful peace talks (yes another cease fire agreement). My only hope is that a long-term peace is found. I do not favor one side or the other.

As President Elect Obama has stated about the economy – opportunity may be found in time of crisis. Perhaps what is needed is a different way (I am sure that it is not a new idea) to look at this 60 year old crisis.

Considering the history, there will be no lasting peace possible for the Palestinians if a peace proposal includes a boundary other than the original borders of Palestine. The Israelis will not agree to a proposal that does provide for their long-term security and sovereignty.

My thoughts on a long-term solution includes the creation of a new country – to be known a Judea (or another biblical name for this land prior to both Israel and Palestine). This democratic country would be made up both Jews and Palestinians. The political power-sharing agreement would have to achieve an equal balance between both parties. There would be many hurdles to overcome – both parties have their extremists and both would balk initially. This solution does provide the most important needs of both parties. Of course, they would have to learn to live and tolerate each other.

As to what countries to help broker this peace accord, the USA, Syria and Egypt together would provide critical leverage over both parties.

I also agree that direct talks between Syria and Israel will have to wait at least six months after Gaza calms down. But I do think that back channel discussions between the U.S. and Syria about what the U.S. is considering putting on the table can happen soon after Obama takes office. That will be a necessary precursor to Syria-Israel talks anyway.

You’re certainly right that now is not the time for an Obama administration to stake any credibility on Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking. You’re probably right that Syria is a better prospect, if only because there’s some kind of process in place, and willingness on the Syrian side to talk with Israel. But you’re probably wrong that the new US Administration should bark up this tree any time soon. Remember, as long as Palestinians are dying in Gaza, Assad is not free to make a deal. The best result might actually be if Israel wins back just a bit of deterrent credibility by not massively bungling the ground invasion, and can then take up serious negotiations with Syria six months or a year from now. That’s a huge maybe though.