If the Palestinians chose a peaceful path to self-determination, I'd expect that after a time--yes, perhaps a long time--they would acheive their goal. If they could be trusted as a people, if they were liked as a people, then perhaps people like me would be more concerned with seeing them attain their dream of a homeland.

But everytime they slaughter scores of innocent Israelis, my attitude toward them hardens. Right now, I'd be outraged if my government entered into any kind of meaningful discussion with their representatives prior to a complete end to the terrorism against Israel.

A more productive and humane reaction to one's own desperation would be to try to make friends, not enemies. But perhaps that's too enlightened a reaction to expect. It's also--forgive me for pointing out--a very capitalist reaction...companies in trouble often seek alliances and mergers as a way to return to health. They rarely send out suicide bombers.