A Glimmer of Hope at Annapolis

Austin, TX, Nov. 26, 2007 – Stratfor’s Geopolitical Intelligence Report today discusses the peace conference between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in Annapolis, Md., on Nov. 27 hosted by U.S. President George W. Bush. Dr. George Friedman analyzes what he believes will happen at these talks as well as one interesting twist- what do the Saudis have anything to do with this?

For Olmert to make the kind of concessions that are needed in order to take advantage of the geopolitical situation, he needs one thing: guarantees and controls over the evolution of Hamas. If Hamas can be brought into the political process — and the split between Gaza and the West Bank maintained — Israel will be in a superb position. But who can moderate Hamas? Enter the Saudis.

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