Spin it as you want, the Palestinian economy under Israeli rule showed continuous annual growth of over 5% between 1968 and 1993. According to stats from the World Bank, it was one of the world’s best performing economy’s for that period.

The Oslo Accords gave the PA took economic control of the territories. And once Chairman Arafat launched the Intifada in September 2000, serious commercial life for Palestinians basically went the way of the bullets. Unemployment soared. Wages dropped. No serious tax revenue. Etc, etc.

Israel’s Civil Administration has just released preliminary figures for the year 2008. Focused on the West Bank, which has desisted from launching Kassam attacks against Israel, the figures give cause for optimism. For example: –

• 35% increase in trade with Israel
• 87% more tourists in Bethlehem
• 24% increase in average daily wage
• 953% more cars imported into the region, and so on.

But it is more than the boring numbers. Taxes are being collected on a more regular basis. 3 economic conferences have been held. In Jenin, Israeli Arabs are participating in a number of local projects.

These are the stories that reveal the beginning of a peace process. This process and its causes deserve the encouragement and attention of the international community.