The 'different comm styles' ... I did not cite the reference, but there is a documentary about how Arab-Israeli conversations tend to break down badly even when both sides go in with win-win positive intentions. It showed some deep cultural diffs (specifically, Arabs don't like to be interrupted, while Israelis thrive on it...it's deeper, but that's the highlight point). Seems like anyone who could figure out how to resolve that diff could organize better peace talks.
BTW, if it isn't clear, I am the author of the post.
I've lost my password for HN and can't see a way to recover, so I haven't been responding to HN comments on my posts. Anyhoo, caved and logged in using my Google id now...I am the same as lost-password vgr on some older threads. If someone can tell me how to recover my password, I'd appreciate it. Kinda like my vgr handle.
I think the inability to come up with a great question about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict corresponds pretty well with the fact that there are no known good solutions to it (except the "if only they would..." kind of solutions.)