THE Saudi peace plan, contrary to the express cynicism of some quarters, has not wilted since introduction. In fact it has gained the critical support of the United States. Its backers have admitted that the "plan" is an outline rather than a full-blown document, but is still potentially positive in content. Suggesting a land for peace swap, this plan in today's environment of extreme anxiety and violence is all the more worth pursuing. It's vagueness may actually be its more resilient strength as adjustments are the key to peace in a land which has seen only violence since recorded history began.

In very broad terms, it says that Arab relations will be fully normalised and activated with Israel in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza strip and the West Bank including East Jerusalem. Much of the ideas isn't fresh and some of the core problems -- the future of the Palestinian refugees -have not been addressed but it's the only proposal which has met with positive reactions from all sides bar the Israelis. They might feel that this doesn't go enough as far as its security concerns go. But global interest in the plan has been created.

In fact, the proposal is about being interested in peace and when a country as significant as Saudi Arabia tables such a "plan" one must recognise its historic importance. Even the Saudis aren't saying that it's a full blown proposal; but it has the potential to go forward. In the background of still-born initiatives by the United States, the lone player in the Middle East who hasn't acted evenhandedly in the conflict management process but now may like to, this proposal is a way out.

Of course, the militants in the Arab world as well as within Israel can't be expected to take kindly to it. But then peace happens not at the initiative of the militants but peace partisans. The fact that the US and its closest ally in the Middle East -- after Israel -- Saudi Arabia are backing it makes it worth pushing.

This peace plan provides a starting point, a break in a situation dominated by conflicts. For once, amidst the orchestra of explosions and deaths, it's the only beacon of peace.