Much oblige for a fair and balanced synopsis of the history of the Palestinian/Israeli relationship and the role of leadership that was presented in the guest commentary, “Rabin and optimism killed 20 years ago,” (Nov. 2).

It reminded me of the reported response of Yasser Arafat to a negotiated solution to the peace process: "Do you want to get me killed?" He listened to his supporters and the violent voices of fear, and apparently this possible creation of a Palestinian state was not worth his dying for.

Yes, peaceful coexistence is possible. In our yoga meditation we often end with the words of our teacher; "May you have peace in your heart, in your home, in your family, in your work, and on your drive home today."

We need leaders who start from here and then show us by their words and actions that they are utterly committed to the possibility of peaceful coexistence on our beautiful planet Earth.

Carol McDermott

Mystic