Metro The more you save the more you earn with our "Premier' Money Market Account Lessons From The Past Make the most of your Money. Ex-Ambassador Ross opens book fair by separating myth from truth. DON COHEN Special to the Jewish News T he top job of a mediator is to get each side to confront reali- ty," Ambassador Dennis Ross told a crowd of more than 600 at the opening night of the 53rd Annual Jewish Book Fair Nov. 4 at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield. His new book, The Missing Peace: The Inside Story of the Fight for Middle East Peace, is part of his continuing efforts to do just that. Ross said he wrote his 800- page book, part history and part manifesto, to "learn the lessons of the past to shape a different future," and because it Ross "debunks fundamental mythologies" that consume the Middle East. "It's easier to live with mythologies than the truth," said Ross, but such mythologies stand in the way of peace. With negotiations at a standstill, Ross's book, frequent public appearances and position as counselor for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, he virtually continues as the chief — albeit private — American Mideast peace authority, as he was offi- cially in the administrations of Presi- dents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. According to Ross, two mythologies that stand in the way of resuming negotiations are that the Palestinians never made meaningful concessions to Israel on substantive issues and that Israel never offered the Palestinians any- thing that they could reasonably accept. "Arafat may not have been a partner," admitted Ross, but it is important for Israel and its supporters to understand "there were Palestinians — credible, nationalistic and authentic leaders — willing to make meaningful concessions." Likewise, what the Palestinians were offered went well beyond Arafat and what the controlled Arab media told their people. "Arafat says he was offered cantons (separate parcels of land) divid- APY* Account Balances of $100,000 or more. New Deposits Only) A' Extra Bonus! Besides the highest rates available, we're also offering a FREE G114-1' when you open your account! - WNW MICHIGAN HERITAGE With Let us lend a hand www.miheritage.00m FDIC Insured 11/12 2004 20 *2.50% Annual Percentage Yield is effective as of September 9. 2004. and applies to account balances over S100.000. If APY balance flails below $2,500. a $7.50 monthly statement fee applies. Rates subject to change without notice. Any fees incurred will reduce your earnings. Reduced interest raters on lower balances. Contact (800) 914-3524 for details. Novi 21211 Haggerty North of 8 Mile (888) 437-8243 Troy 1917 East Big Beaver At John R Rd. (248) 619-0264 Farmington Hills 28300 Orchard Lake Rd. Suite 101 (800) 914-3524 907810 ed by bypass roads, surrounded by Israelis with no independent border with Jordan and none of East Jerusalem," explained Ross. In fact, in 2000, President Clinton offered "100 percent of the Gaza, 97 percent of the West Bank, all the Arab neighborhoods of East Jerusalem, the `right of return' to a Palestinian state, no bypass roads and no settlements . except in settlement blocks." Ross also disputed many of the Arab and European attacks on Israel's security barrier, which he said has proven its effectiveness. He explained that a wall was only built in those few areas where snipers made a fence ineffective. Ross is certain that the U.S. "must get back in the game." He says Palestinians want elections and the U.S. should help them so they can have "a real lead- ership." He sees Israel's unilateral with- drawal from Gaza as a very positive step that will allow Israel to "get out of con- trolling Palestinian lives," which is a must, but he is concerned it will erupt in violence without proper coordina- tion between the two sides. "When you sit on the sidelines, things get worse — it is not a static sit- uation," argued Ross, saying that prag- matic Palestinian leaders are scared of the next generation of their own youth who are modeling themselves after Al Qaeda. "The measure of diplomacy is not only what you achieve, it is what you prevent, limit, contain and defuse." Sherri Silvian, a book fair volunteer from Farmington Hills, came away convinced and encouraged. "I think he was great, and I wish he could broadcast his message to the world," she said. Gary Rimar of Bloomfield Hills was ready to give Ross his old job back. "The smartest thing that George Bush could do is bring Dennis Ross back to negotiate Middle East peace," he said. ❑ See related opinion piece, page 38.