The significance of US Secretary of State Colin Powell's speech on Nov 19, 2001 lies in its delineation of a new framework for a global US foreign policy, with a focus on the Middle East and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. As such it signaled the end of the initial period of American 'isolationism' and the "hands-off" policy that characterized the first few months of the Bush administration.

In essence Powell's presentation came as a statement of intent that portrayed a resolute and engaged US with a new will to assume the responsibilities of global leadership. "As we have for half a century, the United States is ready to play an active leadership role in helping the parties along the road to a more hopeful future."

Powell raised some significant points in his address at Louisville University in Kentucky. First, he reaffirmed the Madrid Conference terms of reference: UN Resolutions 242 and 338 and the land for peace formula. Second, Powell identified the Palestinian lands as "occupied" calling on Israel to end its occupation. Third, he repeated the US's vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace, respect and mutual cooperation. Finally, Mr. Powell clearly and forcefully reiterated the US position that the illegal settlement activity must stop in that it would "pre-empt, pre-judge and cripple peace making efforts".

The deliberate use of 'new' terminology such as 'Palestine' and 'Occupation' in place of 'Palestinian Areas' and 'Disputed Territories' and the mention of Israeli brutal closures, killing children, deliberate humiliation, generations being born and raised under occupation, respectively, attests to a change in the public discourse of the US in relation to Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to the region as a whole.

Secretary of State Powell's speech however, seemed to be 'Sharon sensitive,' since the issue of seven-days of "absolute calm" was not addressed. This 'seven-day' imposed Israeli conditionality has been described as "stupidity" by the Troika delegation of the EU which recently visited the area. Other issues that should have been addressed by the Secretary of State include Israel's extra-judicial execution assassination policy, home demolition and the issue of Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees. The time frame for unconditional and simultaneous implementation of the recommendations of the Mitchell report and the Tenet work plan needs to be spelled out clearly and decisively.

The fact is the Intifada is the popular uprising of the Palestinian people resisting an illegal occupation. This speech aired at the same time as the Israeli occupying forces executed two Palestinian policemen in cold blood in the north of Gaza. Sharon's actual (as opposed to verbal) response came immediately with Israeli army incursions in Palestinian areas, announcement of new settlements, more illegal settler housing in Hebron and the demolition of eleven homes in the Rafah areas and the killing of school children. These measures are true; of the Sharon governments policy towards the Palestinians, the Americans, and the whole peace drive. Sharon is deliberately provoking instability in order to perpetuate a situation of crisis, instability, violence and conflict, thereby avoiding any implementation of the Mitchell - Tenet requirements, mainly cession of settlement activities and the end of Israeli military siege and violence.

The vision is set, but the real question remains in the American Administration's will and ability to bring Israel to compliance. Sending the Zinni, Burns delegation with "the immediate mission of helping the parties achieve a durable cease-fire and to move along the lines of the Tenet security work plan and the Mitchell Committee Report" is a first and modest step.

The real test remains in the just rapid implementation of the Powell promise of delivering a "fair and realistic" and just solution for the conflict in the Middle East.