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Yossi Belin proposed that recent developments in the Middle East peace process have made a comprehensive peace agreement possible once again. The most important development is the Arab Initiative. The Arab states have pledged their support and agree that if a comprehensive peace agreement is reached, they too will make peace with Israel. In addition, many of the hawks in the Israeli Knesset, like Olmert, have moderated their stance and now favor a two-state solution. Since Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, is politically weak, he knows that without a peace deal, he will be voted out of power. As George W. Bush also nears the end of a troubled presidency, he is looking to the peace process as a form of redemption. These factors make peace possible, but as history proves, circumstances change quickly. An agreement must be reached preferably by the end of 2008 or, at the latest, by mid-2009.

There are, however, significant obstacles to reaching a peace deal. The election of Hamas in 2006 added more complexity to the process. However, Hamas, Israel, and the world are learning how to involve Hamas in the political process. Yossi Beilin proclaimed that he is ready to talk to anyone who is willing to talk to Israel, including Hamas. Another obstacle is deciding the border with Syria if Israel gives back the Golan Heights. Since no map exists to delineate the pre-1967 border, much of the negotiations with Syria are over this issue. Also, Iran remains one of the biggest problems for Israel. If Iran acquires nuclear technology, the fear is not that it will use them against Israel, but that it will give them to terrorist organizations like Hizbullah and Hamas. Emboldened with nuclear weapons, these groups would be even less likely to negotiate. The only way to deal with Iran is to keep all options on the table, using both the proverbial stick and carrot.

Skepticism and cynicism also hamper the peace process. Many are hesitant to support the Annapolis talks, fearful that they will fail as so many have before them. Unwilling to risk themselves politically, many oppose the talks publicly but support them privately. This happened with the Camp David agreement, an extremely unpopular measure a week before it was signed but an extremely popular one a week after it was signed. Negotiations have reached a point where they need outside support. As President Bush becomes involved, it will add legitimacy and authority, allowing the talks to proceed to the next level. However, without his support or the support of the new US president, the talks are likely to fizzle away to nothing.