The biggest news story in Palestine lasted one day: it was the Annapolis Conference, held at the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland. It launched yet another attempt at peacemaking after seven bad years of almost daily killing and fighting. The jury is still out on this story, which if completed as its architects intend should make 2008 the year of the Palestinian state.

But much more effort, sacrifice and unfortunately deaths will probably occur in the coming year before this remote dream will come to fruition. The politicians have now given their vision, the ministers of finance around the world have pledged the money for the state, and all that remains is its implementation. As New Year's resolutions go, it is unlikely that this one would do any better than the routine resolution of going to the gym or stopping smoking. But let us not be negative. Palestine and Israel exist on what many consider holy land, where miracles happen.