“The cynic in me says that this new round of negotiations doesn’t have a shot at succeeding. But ever the optimist, this time I think a lasting and just peace is a distinct possibility. If Obama and Kerry stay engaged and if Israelis and Palestinians don’t get distracted and can keep their eye on the prize—the Arab world’s acceptance of a Jewish state in the Middle East and an economically viable, sovereign state of Palestine—the current gamble for peace might just pay off.”