Anton La Guardia is always worth reading on the Middle East. His piece today is as good as ever:

Despite their misgivings, Palestinians should take up the prime minister's challenge. They should make Gaza a model of Palestinian statehood, proof to the Israeli public and the world that they are reliable "partners". This means that, whatever happens in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip must remain an oasis of peace. More than four years of bloodshed may have convinced Israelis that they cannot hold on to all of the Occupied Territories; Palestinians need to show them it is safe to let go.

A vital question will be the external borders of the Gaza Strip. Israel has a justifiable fear that terrorists and weapons will flow freely into Gaza, turning it into "Hamastan". But if extremists are to be undermined, then Palestinians must be able to experience freedom: Gazans must be able to trade, travel to the rest of the world, and be in contact with their brethren in the West Bank.

The prime responsibility will be on Abu Mazen to build credible security forces that will resolutely keep the peace. The rest of the world can help. Egypt, in particular, must secure the land border with Gaza and destroy arms smuggling tunnels. The West - meaning America or, at a stretch, Nato - should offer security monitors to watch the border, examine cargoes coming into Gaza's port and airport, oversee the performance of the Palestinian forces and deter the Israelis from carrying out reprisals.

When he meets the Palestinian leader today, President Bush should make the following pledge: deliver on security, and America will make sure that Israel negotiates a fair deal in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, within a reasonable timeframe. A freeze on Jewish settlements is essential. Mr Bush must help convince Palestinians that they have more to gain from the olive branch than from Arafat's failed strategy of the gun.