VELSHI: Time now for "The XYZ of It." There used to be a time, it seems like a simpler time, when tensions in the Middle East, specifically between Palestinians and Israelis, seemed to be at the heart of global unrest. Sadly, the world is much more complex today and solving the generational disputes between Israelis and Palestinians may no longer be a potent enough solution to the global threat posed by religious extremism and fanaticism. But the holy land remains the most potent symbol of both peace and unrest to Islam, Judaism and Christianity and the problems there need to be solved. America needs to show leadership and ongoing and active support for peace efforts between Israel and its neighbors. After a summer of simmering tensions in the region, we saw a step today. The U.S. has invited Israeli and Palestinian Authority to hold direct peace talks for the first time since 2008. So far, neither side has accepted the invitation, but as these international diplomatic efforts go, I assume both sides knew the offer would be coming so I'm going to assume the offer would be accepted under some terms. But here we are, barely four hours have passed since the announcement was made and if you Google "Mid East peace talks," you'll be bombarded with more articles and blogs saying it won't work than those saying it will; quick reader polls with majorities voting that it will fail as opposed to it succeeding. True, it may be another false start or it may be a turning point. I choose turning point and not because of the Israelis or the Palestinians or what is at the heart of their conflict. I choose turning point because we have to. I choose turning point for one simple thing -- peace. In a world where building a house of worship becomes a national debate, in a world where it takes two hours to get on a plane, in a world where kids have to walk through metal detectors to go to math and English class I choose peace. That's it for me. Time now for "RICK'S LIST" and Don Lemon.</s>DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: Ali Velshi, thank you very much, appreciate it.
XYZ: A Call For Peace