My local noozradio interviewed the speechwriter for Powell and the Rice woman, re: Obama

[Stinky The Clown]

He was quite impressed across the board.

But one thing he pointed out that was both jarring and hopeful to those who want peace in the region and know for what subtleties one ought listen.

He referred to what we have come to know as "Gaza" or "The Gaza Strip" or "The West Bank" or "The Palestinian Territories" and probably a few more such non-specific terms as, simply, "Palestine".

He said "Palestine" without a qualifier even as he took up, at the same time, for Israel.

I find this all so very hopeful.

[OneGrassRoot]

1. I've heard several commentators mention the same thing...

how striking the use of the word "Palestine" was. I honestly didn't realize how much of a shift that was, to use it in a Presidential speech.

He evidently mentioned the Treaty at Tripoli and some have expressed surprise about that as well. I'm clueless about that and trying to research now -- as to why it would be surprising to mention it.

Maybe a brilliant DUer can clue me in?

:)