OK, read Friedman today, not impressed.
Nothing new, no recognition of the fact that the Israelis essentially gave the Pals 99% of what they wanted at Camp David, then were turned down flat with no counter offer.
I do a lot of negotiating in my job. Rule One: Once something is offered, you can always get it back. A concession in a negotiation is the equivalent of keeping it on the table for posterity. As far as I'm concerned, therefore, the settlements have in fact been conceded, ready for dismantling once the Pals decide to end their idiotic intifada, suicide bombings, etc.
So far, however, it seems clear to me tht there is no desire to obtain what was once conceded. Logically, that tells me that there is really no sincere interest in dismantling the settlements. Otherwise, there would be a quid pro quo.
Sorry to say that Friedman once again disappointed me. His impressions of the scene of a terror bombing don't do much for me. I have an active imagination myself and can more or less visualize what a bombing scene looks like. |
