Most observers are weary of new calls for peace talks. And that is due to a very good reason. Past peace talks led nowhere. And most of us are equally skeptical of any prospect of development, peace, freedom and equality for all in Arab World. The people of the Middle East have been ruled by the same leaders and/ or their offspring for the last three decades. And until the leaders themselves or their people abolish this practice, the prospect of a lasting peace settlement and amelioration in the Arab state of affairs is bleak.

Israel prides itself of having free elections, while this is true, most candidates in these election are recycled Leaders. A short review of the current and past Israeli governments officials since 1980 will reveal that at least two thirds of the members of the government have held high posts in prior governments including Premiership, Defense, and Foreign Ministries. Shimon Perez, Benjamin Netanyahu, Ehud Barack, Ariel Sharon, Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, Menchem Begin, just to name a few, all have held the aforementioned posts more than once in their political carriers. The change in position itself does not bring about change in views. Lack of new and young Leadership will guarantee extension of old policies. Israel, too, is suffering from leadership deficiency.

Many international policy experts assert that more freedom in the Arab World, with greater democratic participation in the election process would produce new leaders and new policies. Similarly, new leadership in Israel would certainly lead to a new outlook on the occupation and Palestinian plight that could eventually lead to a settlement of the conflict.