Inside Wye Plantation

How nine days of shouting, laughter and forgiving put Israel and the Palestinians back on the road to peace

Wednesday 2:15 a.m. The phone rang. Outside, in the quiet Maryland fall night, the Wye River whispered. Benjamin Netanyahu had finally made it back to his bedroom after negotiating for a full day, the last three hours with President Bill Clinton, who had just helicoptered back to the White House. The night had been a long give-and-take over security issues; a give-and-take that seemed to be moving in the same circles the Israelis and Palestinians had traveled for months, even years. "Hello?" Netanyahu said. "Happy Birthday." It was Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, calling to congratulate the Prime Minister on his...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!