A Daily Analysis
By Marc Schulman

March 3, 2009--Clinton in Israel- Barak Seeks Way Into Coalition

Secretary of State of Hilary Clinton visited Israel today. This was just a getting to know you visit. Clinton made it clear that she will work with whichever government is established, but she also made it clear that the United States will continue to work for a two state solution. The one important announcement made during her visit was Clinton's confirmation that high level American envoys were heading to Syria tomorrow to evaluate Syria’s willingness to engage in negotiations with Israel, as well as change its fundamental orientation. It is clear that the American administration has concluded that there is more of a chance for progress on the Syrian front then there can be on the Palestinian front.

Coalition negotiations continue. Minister of Defense Barak is still trying to find a way to be part of the Netanyahu coalition and Netanyahu is doing all he can to accommodate him. It seems unlikely that the Labor party will agree to this with out tearing whatever is left of the party apart, but Barak is going to keep trying. If he succeeds, Labor will be lucky to get enough votes to even enter the Knesset in the next election.