EVEN BEFORE SETTING OUT FOR THE LATEST ROUND of Middle East peace talks in Washington, Palestinian delegates knew they had to get something -- anything -- for their efforts so they could justify their attendance in the face of widespread popular disapproval. The Israelis knew it too. As a consequence, the current session has been the most productive one yet, so much so that Palestine Liberation Organization official Nabil Shaath predicts that a "declaration of agreement on principles" may soon emerge.
Largely responsible for the improved atmosphere is Israel's newly relaxed posture. The Rabin government is offering to transfer to the...