A Daily Analysis
By Marc Schulman

July 13, 2008 Olmert Farce Continues- No New News on Arad

The absurd situation continues. Olmert arrives in Paris for an interesting conferenceñ while back in Israel more and more information comes out alleging his criminal behavior. In Paris Olmert pronounces that peace between Israel and the Palestinians is "closer than ever", while back home, his foreign minister announces that Kadima has begun the process of replacing Olmert.

The conference is the brainchild of French President Sakorzy. He is trying to create the beginnings of a common market between all the nations of the Mediterranean, creating a forum to deal jointly with issues such as water, transportation and pollution. The clear winner from this conference is Assad, who was a full participant. Assad, together with the help of Sakourzy announced the resumption of Syrian relations with Lebanon, a clear victory for Assad. Assad has hardened his positions on relations with Israel and made clear he did not have to shake Olmert's or that of any other Israeli.

Hezbollah released a report on the final fate of Ron Arad. As expected, the report provided no new information on what really happened to Arad. Hezbollah did provide a new picture and a diary that Arad kept. Israeli experts are not sure if Hezbollah has any more information regarding Arad, but the Arad family has made it clear they are ok with the agreement to exchange Samir Kuntar for the bodies of the Israelis captured before the start of the Lebanon War.