The Unfortunate Truth ...
By Playback Editor on 01/21/07
I am amazed each time I come across an Israeli news article meticulously anaylsing a road map to peace. I greatly admire the tireless effort to bring security to the Jewish homeland. The intentions are so genuine it makes your heart ache because we all know there is only one answer. The unfortunate truth is that other than close up shop, there is very little that can be done autonomously by the Israelis.
It's very similar to buying a house. Each side needs one authorized negotiator with final approval. That is clearly not the case here. Israel has always been a buyer forced to negotiate with a dozen sellers, each with a different set of terms and conditions. Some have no intention to sell at any price. The reality is a sale ain't happening.
The Arab world wants Israel out of its neighborhood, period. They believe that natural resource allocation, the leveling of the military playing field and world sentiment are all in their favor. They are correct on all accounts. Underneath spin cemented by decades of worldwide anti-semitism, self-serving Arab regimes, European blow back and American Left self-hatred, the most educated and honest among us know this to be the truth. The Arab logic is why settle? Once an isolated, exhausted America fully comprehends what it is up against, Israel is through.
Israel and the Palestinians are both pawns in a triangulated chess match involving the Arab world, Europe and America. Each is maneuvering for it's own agenda. The Arab world leaders will only push for real peace when it is in their best interest. That time may be coming as an Iranian lead Shia revival is changing the playing field.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the rest of the Sunni gang feel pressure as never before. They must act fast or they will be plowed over by the Shia wave. Their strategy to re-establish credibility over the Arab world is to position themselves as the saviors of the Palestinian people. They will create/allow peace with Israel, as long as it makes strategic sense. It never has been and never will be a Palestinian decision.
Below you will find yet another gut wrenching article by an Israeli trying to make new sense out of a long answered question. Painful, yes. However, it makes interesting reading.
Interesting Times: What Arabs can do
By SAUL SINGER
At the august Herzliya Conference three years ago, Ariel Sharon unveiled his plan to unilaterally withdraw from the Gaza Strip - a plan he called "disengagement." Eighteen months ago, this plan was carried out, and six months ago we fought a two-front war against Hamas in the south and Hizbullah in the north.
What should we learn from this history?
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1167467762777&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
