国际英语新闻：Optimism after Gaza flotilla episode

Given all of the bad press Israel has received, along with condemnation at the highest levels, even in the United States, there is a feeling that Israel might "moderate" its approach in the future. That is the view of Mohammed Dajani, a professor of political science and founder of the Islamic Organization of Wasatia Palestine.

In looking forward to a less conflict-filled future, Dajani looks back to an experience he witnessed some three years ago from the veranda of his own home. A protest broke out at a crossing point between Israel and the Palestinian governmental seat of Ramallah.

Around 500 Palestinians were protesting the fact they could not access Haram A-Sharif, the Muslim holy site in Jerusalem. They wanted to be there for Ramadan prayers. Seeing that the scene was getting ugly, the Israeli officer in charge of dealing with the demonstrators spoke with the organizers and eventually rather than violence ensuing, the Israelis escorted the Palestinians in several buses to the prayer site and then back to Ramallah.

If this type of officer is allowed to have sway in the Israeli army rather than any who are more hotheaded, the situation will be much calmer in the future, said Dajani.

He believes that the events of this week might give cause for " more moderation among Israeli policy makers because the impact of the flotilla incident has left Israel really isolated and under a lot of siege and a lot of criticism on the international level."

EFFECT ON PEACE PROCESS

However, Dajani does not see the moderation translating itself into advances in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority as far as its American brokers are concerned.

While recognizing that there may be an opportunity now to bring the parties together for accelerated talks, Dajani opines that U.S. President Barack Obama does not want to do anything too drastic that will affect his chances of election for a second term.

Too much pressure on Israel could cost him in the polls, said the Palestinian professor who believes the real squeeze on Israel will only come from the White House after 2012.

Golan though believes the flotilla clash could be exactly the medicine that the negotiations require.

"I'm sure Obama will try; that there will be some sort of effort to turn this around," said Golan.

However, the Israeli academic and peace activist warned that before thinking about renewed vigor in the peace process the world will be watching very closely as another boat bound for Gaza approaches its intended destination.

Israel has said publicly it will not allow the Irish vessel, the Rachel Corrie, to dock in Gaza. Sources told Xinhua that the Israeli defense echelon believes that taking over the vessel will be simple, inasmuch as this is a small craft capable of only containing several dozen passengers.

However, while the lead boat in this week's flotilla did include some passengers whose intent was questionable, the Rachel Corrie does appear to have only peace activists on board. Something that Israel will have to bear in mind if and when it decides to intercept the boat.