Preparation for the Annapolis meeting on the Middle East, scheduled for November 26 but still subject to change, are taking place in an atmosphere containing hints of unprecedented compromise combined with deep skepticism on the part of the respective populations and of most analysts. The meeting will be immediately followed by months of negotiations where, it is envisioned, the difficult and perennial issues of borders, settlements, Jerusalem, the Right of Return, and security will be dealt with. Even if the leaders can reach a compromise, there are significant concerns as to whether their agreement will be accepted by their own societies.