When we look at the history of peace negotiations in the Middle East one of the more surprising lessons is that we shouldn't look at the history. Previous attempts to find a solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict have become bogged down in arguments over past injustices. To be successful, this latest attempt must start with a clean page.

On that page is the opening question: how can we move forward for the benefit of all people in the region? This was the real thrust of the Pope's message when he called yesterday for a sovereign Palestinian homeland even though some in Israel may interpret it differently.

It helps that we start with a new US President. What history does teach us is that nothing will be achieved without America.

So it is encouraging to...