To many observers, the stars are aligned to see the final resolution of the century-old ArabIsraeli conflict in the millennium year of 2000. But in a region which too often accents romance over realism, more sober analysts will underscore the wide gaps which still divide the parties, the national and personal interests which militate against compromise, and the still-substantial threats to peace that have the potential to derail the region's diplomacy altogether. Millennial aspirations aside, 2000 has as much chance to be a year of brinkmanship, conflict and violence as it does a year of breakthrough, success and peace.