Palestine Revisited: THE ROAD MAP TO NOWHERE

Taken from the Independent, UK,
Published: 05 October 2006

Four years after George Bush unveiled his Middle East plan, Condoleezza Rice arrived to find peace as far away as ever
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The road-map promise
Palestinian "terror infrastructure" to be dismantled and "visible efforts" made to arrest attackers of Israelis.

What happened
Suicide bombings against Israelis continue despite publication of the road map, backed by George Bush. Israel begins building "separation barrier", which is condemned as an illegal land grab. Palestinian government undermined by Israel, which targets militants.
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The promise
Israel to freeze all settlement activity and dismantle illegal outposts.

What happened
Some illegal outposts are dismantled although settlers return. Governments of Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert forge ahead with settlement blocs on occupied land in the West Bank. Unilateral Israeli moves have created new "facts on the ground" which will complicate future final status negotiations on a two-state solution.
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The promise
"Free, fair and open" elections to be held in Palestinian territories.

What happened
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is elected in January 2005. But rival Hamas wins 2006 elections. Abbas's authority is irreparably weakened, and talks with Hamas on coalition government break down.
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The promise
Creation of an independent Palestinian state with provisional borders in 2003.

What happened
Unilateral pullout from Gaza and part of the West Bank is completed in September 2005. But Gaza subjected to economic blockade and military incursions continue. Ehud Olmert unveils unilateral separation plan, which threatens to leave the separation barrier as a new border.
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The promise
Two-state solution for Israel and Palestinians, to be achieved by 2005, to lead to comprehensive peace.

What happened
Israel launches full-scale war in July after Hizbollah militia in Lebanon, allied to Syria and Iran, capture two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border incursion.