Adam and I spent a second weekend finishing painting my mom's house. Much news has happened since then.

First, Bush's speech on Monday recommitted US support for the creation of a Palestinian state, increased funding toward that end, and called for an international conference to find a solution for the Middle East. The interesting thing is that Bush called this conference after 10 European nations wrote an open letter to Tony Blair -- the Quartet's envoy to the Middle East -- asking him to convene such a conference. Apparently, some international leaders thought it would be better for the idea to come from Bush, not Blair.

Bush's call for a conference received strong support from Britain, Germany, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and Javier Solana welcomed it. But the idea of an international peace conference didn't sit well with Olmert, who said it was too early to discuss a final solution for the Middle East. Syrian president Assad also opposed the conference because the idea came from Bush, whom he distrusts. Then, today, the White House backed off the idea of a major peace conference, calling it more of a "meeting."

So, one wonders why Bush called for this conference in the first place? Did he want to appear to be leading Mideast peace efforts? Certainly, some media think Bush is leading the way, calling it his "new peace plan." But even Bush, in his speech, acknowledged that the US' efforts are occurring in consultation with the Quartet. And, in Solana's statement on Bush's speech, he made it clear that any conference would take place under the umbrella of the Quartet's efforts -- .i.e., his own efforts. In fact, today, Solana begins a week of meetings with Mideast leaders, including Olmert, Barak, Peres, Abbas and Fayad. 

Second, Olmert wants to start peace talks with Syria, but refuses to do so until Syria stops funding terrorists -- a condition Assad hasn't accepted. He refuses to sit down with Olmert until Israel gives Syria the Golan Heights. We'll see if Solana can help these two strike a compromise.

Obviously, there will be much to discuss when the Quartet meets tomorrow in Portugal. Everyone is anxious for peace. And, if Daniel's 70th week is upon us, then a temporary peace isn't far away.

Staying tuned!