Everyone Has a Peace Plan. And They All Can Wait.
TWO tense armed standoffs have been resolved in the past two weeks, even as bombs keep exploding and tanks roll toward expected reprisals. An international peace conference looms this summer. Israel and the Arab world have outlined competing visions that, however far apart, each claim the aim of a Palestinian state. The United States is off the sidelines and back in the fray.

So it's time for progress toward peace in the Middle East? Maybe not. In fact, there is every sign that a new waiting game has just begun. The three most important players in this game — President Bush, Ariel Sharon and Yasir Arafat — have all shown signs that they see reasons to wait rather than press for a final deal now.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/12/weekinreview/12PURD.html