Israel's Separation Wall

Haaretz is reporting that Israel is now proposing a "broken" separation fence in that they simply won't build a section near the West Bank settlement of Ariel. This follows word that the Bush administration would make a deduction form Israel's loan guarantees if the Israeli's built that section of the wall, which would enclose on the Israeli side land most see as the future Palestinian state. Sharon indicated they might build that area of the fence later if "the international political climate became more favorable." It's good to see the U.S. willing to use the stick with Israel as well as the Palestinians. Now let's hope the PA finds a way to control militants so the peace process can move forward.