I don't see a problem with someone from the U.S. going over and trying to talk to Hamas as long as it isn't Obama himself. I mean they'd use that as propaganda. But having some lower level person go in and try to negotiate between Israel and Hamas is fine.

Cindy...Ga.

It goes to show that Barack Hussein Obama will negotiate with terrorists. He hasn't taken a lesson from history. You can't negotiate with terrorists or muslims for that matter. Trying to negotiate with them is like negotiating with a brick wall. If there are negotiations with Hamas, they will use it as propaganda. Nothing will get resolved.

I think it's a great idea and workable approach. At this point there is nothing to loose and possibly something to gain? I also agree that
clandestine approaches via the US Intelligence would be a good start. In that regard, Panetta will prove to have been a Great Choice. I can see America changing for the better already under Obama's Leadership.

For jim Fallbrook
Dear Jim, I'm an American living in Europe, from CA.. I've found that if I talk to my Arab friends and acquaintances with respect, and that if I don't throw bricks at their walls, we can negotiate with each other quite well.

Most people seem to be ignorant of the history of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. I am a geography professor who lectures on the region and once the students understand the true history without calling groups terrorists they appreciate the struggle. I am not taking sides {the issue is pretty emotional globally!}, but CNN can do us all a favor and have a special on this now that the whole world is watching. Cover the British Balfour, the Arab/Israeli conflict, the 1960s war, the 1970s oil crisis, how Israel got the best land and water from the Arab States.

This is for Alan: I grew up in Detroit Michigan with Muslims. I can tell you from my own experience or give historical facts. There has been negotiations with muslims and Israel for over 60 years and nothing has been resolved. From my own experience, they only understand one thing Brute force. How do you think Saddam Hussein a brutal dictator stayed in power in Iraq for over 40 years.

It makes no difference that obama is willing to talk to Hamas,the usa
gov is run by aipak and the foreign policy WILL not change.The next target of usa is Pakistan another muslim country.