Back in the stratosphere again

Singing along with Gene Autrey, somewhat off key, I find that my event Number Three from the Top Ten of 2004 is flying again.  It's been like riding a yo-yo.  A brief rundown for those who missed the other posts on this topic:  The death of Yasser Arafat made my Top Ten important events of 2004 at Number Three because I felt it represented a Dramatic improvement in the chances for peace in the Middle East.  It's a story that has its ups and downs.  Well, here we go again.

SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt Feb 8, 2005 — Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas says he has told Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon that Palestinians will halt all violence against Israelis, and Sharon says that Israel will stop military activity against Palestinians everywhere.