middle east peace talks same as it ever was

You know it's getting late in the second term of an American president - Middle East peace talks are taking place.

De facto President George W. Bush, no student of history he, said he is "optimistic" about the upcoming conference in Annapolis. But not me. There are several obstacles.

First, both the Israelis and Palestinians are bloody minded and stubborn. A pox on both houses.

Second, this diplomatic effort is being spearheaded by Bush and Condi Rice. Sorry, their track record doesn't give any reason to expect success.

And third, you know somehow Dick Cheney, irregular heartbeat and all, will do something to screw it up.