What now for the one-state solution?

As Heathlander points out, Khaled Meshaal's two-state concession is way, way more original and significant that Netanyahu's widely-covered speech last week repeating the old Bantustan 'solution' - of which, happily, the non-Zionist Israeli blogosphere was unanimous in its derision.

Those who worry that Meshaal's statement undermines the binational one-state solution may have a point, and there are now no major parties in Palestinian politics calling actively for a binational solution. But it has long been my belief that if ever we are to reach a single democratic binational state, a Holy Land federation, the necessary interim is two states coexisting for some time, perhaps some considerable time.

That this preserves the current and historical conflict is undoubtedly true. But it also levels the playing field upon which future engagement can be carried out.

Hamas have again siezed the initiative and seem to be the only actor in the conflict currently making meaningful gestures towards a long-term and just peace.