Barack Obama, speaking in Israel today:

“I can tell you one thing that is very important: a U.S. administration has to put its weight behind a [Middle East peace] process, recognizing that it’s not going to happen immediately. That’s why I will not wait a few years into my term to get the process moving. I think we have a window right now that needs to be taken advantage of.”

Windows of opportunity in the Middle East peace process sound rare. Yet everybody always seems to find one when they need one.

“The tragic conflict between Israelis and Palestinians continues to elude resolution. But I believe that there exists a window of opportunity similar to the one that existed in the aftermath of the Gulf War in 1991.” – Former Secretary of State James Baker, Apr. 7, 2003.

The head of the United Nations Political Affairs office told the Security Council today that “there exists, once again, a ’window of opportunity’ to revitalize” the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. – December 16, 2004.

“We have a window of opportunity,” said Israeli Vice-Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. “The most important thing is to set the right priorities to take this process forward.” – January 28, 2005.

“Today we have a window of opportunity that I invite the world to explore and to exploit,” said Afif Safieh, head of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s mission to the United States — April 17, 2007.

“Your success is our success; your dreams are our dreams. We will help you,” Peres said to Blair. “I feel there is a serious window of opportunity to advance peace. I don’t know the duration of this opportunity, I am afraid it is not too long.” – July 24, 2007.

Judging by the rhetoric of those involved in seeking Middle East peace, “windows of opportunity” are about as rare as Starbucks shops.

How long is this window open? My guess is about one Friedman unit.