Brent Scowcroft has taken the opportunity of Arafat's death to unburden himself of certain Deep Thoughts.

The paragraph which stands out:
 
The president should add substance to his commitment to an independent Palestinian state. It must include steps to provide security to Israel and to give the Palestinians the ability and means to construct a viable political entity free from the crushing presence of Israeli troops. The United States should insist that Israel stop construction of its wall on the West Bank and mirror its withdrawal from Gaza with the evacuation of the West Bank. In return, the wall and Israeli troops would be replaced by an international force, principally European or perhaps NATO troops.
 
Note two  sentences: 
Arab friends, notably Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Morocco, should provide vital guidance, encouragement and support.

(Yes..those are reliable friends—maybe to Scowcroft personally as he grows wealthy through Saudi oil money plowing into the Carlyle Group).
 
While the "right of return" could be left as a principle, the reality is that most Palestinian refugees will remain outside Israel, just as most Jewish settlers will return to Israel. 

(So he would give them the "Right of Return" but don't worry they won't claim it (RIGHT....)).
 
He would also take a leaf from John Kerry and provide Iran with nuclear technology.
 
I could go on....

Ed Lasky   11 12 04