<Really: do you hold out much hope for a peaceful solution coming out of these negotiations?

No. It’s entirely up to them, and I don’t hold a lot of hope for any speedy resolution.

One other thing I would point out: the terrorists do not represent all Palestinians. Many (maybe most) Palestinians would prefer for the shooting to stop, and for their jobs to resume.

Preferring the shooting to stop, and stopping the shooting are two very different things.

And yes: Palestinians who are mature enough to run a nation can be found.

Then it's time for Palestine to stop waiting for the handout, clean up their own act, and just do it.

If U.S. Forces are required (and once the move on Iraq becomes imminent it will likely be required), the lesson will be very swift and very deadly,
Dan