Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations have agreed to attend the Middle East peace conference in Annapolis, Maryland on Tuesday.

Are these serious peace talks or just a photocall? There’s unlikely to be any momentous outcome but President George W Bush will hold talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. They should improve the poisonous diplomatic atmosphere and get real talks under way later.

Do they have any chance of success? If serious negotiations start soon they may be judged a modest breakthrough.

Why now? Bush will leave office in January 2009 and wants a legacy in the Middle East.

Israel and the US worry that Iran is working towards a nuclear bomb and want to see a moderate Middle Eastern alliance ranged against it. This will be easier to achieve if an independent Palestinian state is in sight.

Who expects to gain? Israel, fearful of a resumption of suicide bombings, would gain from progress towards peace, along with the rest of the Arab world. The Palestinians need food, jobs, security and a chance to install better leaders. America wants a diplomatic success after Iraq.

Why hold the talks in Annapolis? Chesapeake Bay views and crabcakes aside, it shows that the Americans are in control. It’s a short helicopter hop from the White House lawn.

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