Israel: April 16, 2003

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The rapid defeat of Iraq, continued Israeli raids on Palestinian terrorists and bleak economic prospects has dramatically changed Palestinian attitudes towards peace negotiations with Israel. A current opinion survey shows 70 percent of Palestinians (and 67 percent of Israelis) believe peace talks will soon resume. To that end, 71 percent of Palestinians favor a cease fire. However, 57 percent supported continued attacks against Israelis if there is no ceasefire. With Saddam, and his generous financial awards to families of suicide bombers, gone,  there is despair among many Palestinians.