In Northern Ireland, it was the declaration by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) that it was abandoning violence to end British rule in Northern Ireland that paved the way for the resolution of the conflict. The acceptance of Northern Ireland's Protestant majority of the Catholic minority's special links with Ireland was the next step. Once the parties in the conflict accepted some of the positions of the other side, Blair's job was easy.

But in the Middle East, such compromises are difficult to achieve. Although countries like Egypt and Jordan have recognised Israel and its right to exist, most Arab states have not shown any propensity for compromise. Although Fatah has recognised Israel and signed a deal with it, its military arm Al Aksa Martyrs' Brigade continues to attack Israel. And Hamas remains resolute in its aim to destroy Israel.

Blair must begin with a call for a resumption of aid to the Palestinians when the following conditions have been met: (1) The Palestinians have removed all hate and incitement against Jews and Israel from their education system and controlled media. (2) The Fatah/PLO and Hamas charters have been changed to eliminate the call for the destruction of Israel and Jews. (3) Militants have been disarmed and (4) all acts of terrorism against Israel have ended.

With Israel, he must insist that Israel must stop any new Jewish settlement in the West Bank and stop all attacks on the Palestinians. Israel has already vacated Gaza and it must do the same in the West Bank.

Blair will face insurmountable barriers in his search for peace in the Middle East. And he will need cooperation of all parties in this mission.