Rice not worried about Olmert illness.

The Annapolis peace summit seems in Jeopardy because of still wide differences between the parties and the latest revelation of Israel’s Prime ministers illness. This has not slowed down The United States secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who says the summit is to go forward as planned.

 Mr. Olmerts condition may be a difficult blessing in disguise for him and Israeli foreign policy. He himself is under a number of criminal investigations that are likely to slow down as it might seem to be bad taste to hound a sick man. He will also gain sympathy from an Israeli public that sees him as a colossal failure as prime minister.

 Israel’s foreign policy may benefit as there may be a excuse to temporarily push off the summit at Annapolis. Most observers note that there is no chance of success at the summit as the differences between the sides are too extreme. The clear implication of a failed summit will be a new wave of violence or intefada. This new wave may be limited if there is a perception that Olmert has taken ill and cannot attend.

 Sooner or later when reality sets in that the differences between the sides are irreconcilable violence will ensue. If this violence coincides with a flare up between the Syrians and Israelis or an air strike on Iran there will be a big mess.

 Olmerts cancer may be the least of his problems.