But whatever they believe, the result has been divisiveness, and not much resolution of the problems that have caused the conflicts in the first place. I don't think there are any simple answers, but in this day and age, aggressive rhetoric and the use of force don't look to be the only solutions at our disposal.
So do you think diplomacy has not been tried before? I'd say diplomacy has brought "not much resolution of the problems that have caused the conflicts in the first place" as well.
I would argue that our diplomacy has been more effective; that without it, the violence has escalated to a degree that previously had been unknown by either side. IMO where our diplomacy has not been effective is in pushing Israel hard enough to make the necessary concessions for an enduring peace, and in keeping them from fueling the Palestinian anger.
Also, who would you negotiate with? In both the Iraq and Israel situations, negotiations have happened and been agreed to. There have just been no results. Terrorist attacks continue in Israel (even though Arafat denounces them), and Iraq still pursues WMD. Neither can seem to keep their word, so why bother talking to them?
When you have to put together a contract and there are three parties involved, it would be foolhardy to negotiate with just two of the three parties. In the case of Israel, to ignore the Hamas is to do so at your own peril.
As for Iraq, you renegotiate the weapons inspections agreement. You make clear to him that you are negotiating in good faith but that he is not in the driver's seat. If at any point in the process Saddam becomes unreasonable, you shut him down. But IMO you don't attack because you believe "Iraq still pursues WMD".
Do we need another meeting at camp david? That'll help. At least it could make everybody "feel good" for a few days.
Let me just say.....if you want to see something fail, just make sure you don't believe it will succeed.
And let me also say this....all you guys who think Clinton was chickenshit and Camp David stupid......well, negotiating a peace as opposed to bombing a place into oblivion takes skill, patience and a willingness to compromise. Everything I have studied, seen and done suggests that this is the adult way, the right way, the way that produces lasting results..........and its also the hard way.
ted |
