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February 25, 2005
Israel Drawing A Line
The Big Trunk at Powerline wonders why Israel has not produced a great statesman, explains why he doesn’t see Sharon as one, and disagrees some with Charles Krauthammer’s column. I understand the concerns but agree with Krauthammers larger arguments (as usual).
He writes:
“Last Sunday Israel crossed two Rubicons. The Cabinet decided once and for all to withdraw from Gaza and dismantle 25 settlements -- 21 in Gaza and four in the upper West Bank. Yet, had Israel done only this, it would be seen, correctly, as a victory for terrorism, a unilateral retreat and surrender to the four-year intifada. That is why the second Israeli decision was so important. The Cabinet also voted to finish the security fence on the West Bank, which will separate Israeli and Palestinian populations and create the initial border between Israel and a nascent Palestine. The fence decision makes clear that the unilateral withdrawal from Gaza is only part of a larger strategy, the first serious strategic idea Israel has had since its period of utter confusion and demoralization at the beginning of the 2000 intifada. The idea is this: Israel must (unilaterally, if necessary) rationalize its defensive lines -- in order to (1) protect its citizens, (2) permanently defuse the Palestinian terrorist threat and thus (3) open the door to a final peace.”
Posted by Jim at February 25, 2005 09:04 AM
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Comments
Part of Israel's strategy is to make concessions in order to make it clear to those who have been misled by Palestinian propaganda who exactly is the aggressor here.
When the Palestinians continue to attack, the sane-but-misled around the world will begin to recognize the truth -- that the Palestinians aren't willing to accept a two-state system except as a stepping stone to destroying Israel.
It's a good PR move.
Posted by: LotharBot at February 25, 2005 03:14 PM
"sane-but-misled around the world will begin to recognize the truth"
I sure hope you aren't lumping the Chirac in this group...
Posted by: Rick Brady at February 25, 2005 04:56 PM