The last time Dr. Rice was in the region she stayed up one night until a deal for the movement of people in Gaza was reached. But once she left the deal and its follow-up parts were scrapped.

Having signaled to all that she plans to stay in the region for as long as it takes, she next needs to put down a course of action that will truly and meaningfully empower moderates. This can only be done when the common person in the streets of Gaza, Nablus Nabatiya or Beirut can see tangible, real and significant results in areas of concern to them. The U.S. can't afford for this region to keep erupting and the only party that can do what is needed must give more than lip service to empowering the silent majorities of the region.