UNIDENTIFIED MALE: CNN viewer Arnold Rodriguez from the United Arab Emirates asks</s>CNN: Why exactly are Israel and Palestinian in conflict?</s>LARRY REGISTER, VICE PRESIDENT, CNN SPECIAL PROCESS: Arnold, that's a good question. And the answer depends on which side you ask. The Israelis say the Palestinians started this latest outbreak of violence as a way to pressure Israel into more concessions in the ongoing peace process. The Palestinians say they are fighting to end the Israeli occupation and for the right of self-determination in their future homeland. One thing is certain: This fighting took many people by surprise. Just six months ago, the two sides seemed very close to a peace agreement. It could be that closeness which led to the fighting. They had gotten down to the core issues for a final peace. Those issues are the makeup of a future Palestinian state, the fate of Palestinian refugees, security arrangements, and, of course, the most hotly-contested issue of all, the future of Jerusalem, specifically, who controls what in this holy city. Discussions on these issues and other past differences open deep- seeded passions among the Israeli and Palestinian people. However, it could be argued, as opposed to fighting over the past, they are really fighting for the future. Whatever compromises they make today to reach a peace agreement will have a big impact on the Israelis and Palestinians, as they live together in the future, side by side, as neighbors. The Israelis and Palestinians are likely to continue fighting, one way or another, until they reach what they think is the best deal possible for the future of their people.
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