Syria and Jordan tried to block off the water supply from the Kenevret and slowly siege the New State of Israel that was previously the British Mandate. Israel had no other option than to create a buffer zone as their irrigation is dependent on heavy water usage that is to this progressively deplete

oliver, london, England

Henry just to remind you that USA was founded on land grab from native americans, additionally this indigenous population did not attack you. Israel was British territory (mandate), given to the Jews and was attacked in 1948 by four countries. Fair Play I say

oliver, london, England

Henry, the creation of the USA was a "land grab" of montrous proportions!

John V., Bristol, U.K.

Henry: It is neither a land grab nor illegal. Syria attacked Israel and lost the Golan. Nothing illegal about holding enemy territory until a peace treaty is signed. It has happened countless times throughout history (e. g. with Egypt). The problem is Syria doesn't want a peace treaty with Israel.

me, Jerusalem, Israel

Why should return of the Golan heights be subject to an Isareli referendum ? This is a land grab and illegal in international law. It does not belong to the Isareli's and what they do not own they can not keep.
Provocative policies have been responsible for land grab for 60 years. Time for peace.

Henry, NY, USA

It is about time that that Israel and Syria end hostilities.
If Syria drops its relationship with Iran ans its support for Hamas and Hezbollah life would be much easier for Israel.
Iran will be isolated and easier to be attacked over its nuclear ambitions,

P Alfonso, Miami, USA

israelis must be nuts if Thay are going on those agreement's with terorists states. lets take ã look what happened with the peace agreement with the palastineins which created ã chamastown terorist state. oll the problematic prime minister's in israel want to survive through agreement's which are not worted the paper its wrriten on

Jacob, montreal, canada

Allow me to raise an eyebrow a la Lt. Commander Spock. I do not share Mahanaimi's optimism. Having followed his journalism for a few decades, I fear Mahanaimi's optimism in this case is a bit unfounded.

Nahum Wengrov, Jerusalem, Israel

Olmert is not only a lame duck but a cooked goose. His political capital is zero.

Even the strongest of leaders like Sharon would have a hard job selling the people on giving up the Golan Heights. That will go to referendum and it won't pass.

idov, Yokneam, Israel

Sorry Sean, but you got it all wrong

Charlie, liverpool, uk

Look at the Arab world,civil ;war Gaza,Iran Hitler wants to wipe
a Country Off the Face of the Earth,Bombs killing the innocent.Can
these people be partners in peace.With the Democratic world
Only if the Koran SAYS problem Sunni ,Shi'a don't agree so they kill each other.ANSWERS ON POSTCARD ONLY.

Scott, Pinner, UK

Sean forgot who is occupying the land of who! Indeed, if you believe Syria is a terror supporting state, I believe Israel is itself a terror state. Couldn't you see what has been happening over 60 years in ME. Y to peace n justice, N to war n aggression.

saleh darwish, Amman, Jordan

Chill out Sean and let peace have a chance. The only thing vile is people who attempt to thwart efforts at making peace. The world's on the brink and the time has come for new ideas and directions. Your on the sideline of history Sean!

frank, los angeles, usa

Oh dear, Sean.

Let's, for argument's sake, say that ALL the countries in the region let weapon's inspectors in. Including Israel. Then at least everyone will have their cards on the table. Yes? No?

These issues are just a smoke screen for what Israel is doing to the Palestinians. It's infinite.

S, London, UK

If Israel wants to show its detractors that it isn't a rogue state then making peace with a vile terror supporting state such as Syria only makes sence in an upside down world.

Sean, london, UK